And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

REVELATION 13:11KJV
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Revelation 13:11 (KJV)

What does Revelation 13:11 mean?

Revelation 13:11 describes John’s vision of another beast rising from the earth, distinct from the first beast, with two horns like a lamb but speaking like a dragon. This verse introduces a new figure who appears gentle or harmless outwardly, yet whose words or message are deceptive or dangerous.

John, the writer of Revelation, is sharing a vision given to him while exiled on the island of Patmos. In this part of his vision, he sees a second beast, which stands out because it comes from the earth (not the sea, like the first beast) and has a lamb-like appearance but speaks with the voice or authority of a dragon. The contrast between its gentle look and its dragon-like speech highlights a theme of deceptive appearances.

The Greek behind Revelation 13:11

  • "Beast" (θηρίον, thērion): This word often refers to a wild, dangerous animal, emphasizing the threatening nature of the figure John sees, even though it looks like a lamb.
  • "Lamb" (ἀρνίον, arnion): In Revelation, a lamb usually symbolizes innocence or Christ himself, so the beast’s lamb-like horns suggest an imitation of something good or holy.
  • "Dragon" (δράκων, drakōn): The dragon in Revelation represents Satan, so saying the beast "spoke as a dragon" points to the source and character of its message—deceptive and opposed to God.

Why Revelation 13:11 matters

  • This verse warns readers not to judge by appearances alone, since something that looks harmless or even holy can still be dangerous or misleading.
  • The introduction of a second beast sets up the rest of the chapter, where this figure plays a key role in leading people astray and supporting the first beast.
  • The contrast between the lamb-like horns and dragon-like speech helps clarify the theme of deception that runs throughout Revelation, especially in the context of spiritual or religious falsehoods.

Where else these words appear

“horns” Greek G2768 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 1:69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
  • Revelation 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
  • Revelation 17:7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.

“dragon” Greek G1404 · used in 12 verses

  • Revelation 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
  • Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
  • Revelation 13:2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

“lamb” Greek G721 · used in 28 verses

  • John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
  • Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
  • Revelation 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

“beast” Greek G2342 · used in 38 verses

  • Mark 1:13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.
  • Revelation 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
  • Revelation 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.