A.T. Robertson Commentary Revelation 13:11

A.T. Robertson Commentary

Revelation 13:11

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
A.T. Robertson
A.T. Robertson

A.T. Robertson Commentary

Revelation 13:11

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like unto lamb, and he spake as a dragon." — Revelation 13:11 (ASV)

Another beast (αλλο θηριον). Like the first beast (verse 1), not a ετερον θηριον (a different beast).

Out of the earth (εκ της γης). Not "out of the sea" as the first (verse 1), perhaps locating him in Asia Minor without world-wide scope, but plainly the agent of the first beast and so of the dragon.

He had (ειχεν). Imperfect active of εχω. Only two horns (not ten like the first, verse 1).

Like unto a lamb (ομοια αρνιω). Usual construction. Only the two horns of a young lamb and without the ferocity of the other beast, but "he spake as a dragon" (ελαλε ως δρακων). Gunkel and Charles confess their inability to make anything out of this item. But Swete thinks that he had the roar of a dragon with all the looks of a lamb (weakness and innocence). Cf. the wolves in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15).