Revelation 13:11

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
εἶδον
G1492
I beheld
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#3
ἄλλο
G243
another
"else," i.e., different (in many applications)
#4
θηρίον
G2342
beast
a dangerous animal
#5
ἀναβαῖνον
G305
coming up
to go up (literally or figuratively)
#6
ἐκ
G1537
out of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#7
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
γῆς
G1093
the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#9
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
εἶχεν
G2192
he had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#11
κέρατα
G2768
horns
a horn (literally or figuratively)
#12
δύο
G1417
two
"two"
#13
ὅμοια
G3664
like
similar (in appearance or character)
#14
ἀρνίῳ
G721
a lamb
a lambkin
#15
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
ἐλάλει
G2980
he spake
to talk, i.e., utter words
#17
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#18
δράκων
G1404
a dragon
a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine revelation reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection