What are the two horns of Revelation 13:11?

That’s a deep question, and my answer will assume you have some familiarity with Revelation’s symbols. The first beast arose out of the sea (Revelation 13:1). The four beasts—representing nations—of Daniel 7 also arose from the sea (verse 3). Since “sea” represents peoples and nations (see Revelation 13:1; 17:1, 2, 8), “earth” could reasonably be assumed to represent a sparsely settled region. The nation thus represented by the beast of Revelation 13:11 would, therefore, develop into greatness in a region of few inhabitants.

Commentators have seen in this second beast a symbol of the United States of America. This power accurately fulfills the specifications of the prophecy. The United States declared independence in 1776, established its constitution in 1787, and was fully recognized as a world power by the time the “first beast” was going into captivity in 1798. The United States grew rapidly in prominence and power. The nation arose not in the Old World, with its teeming populations, but in the New World, with its relatively few inhabitants.

The two horns could be taken to represent the two notable features of the American system of government, civil and religious liberty, both of which are guaranteed in its constitution. Since the horns had no crowns, republicanism is represented instead of a monarchy. So the new nation’s civil liberty found expression in a republican form of government, while its religious liberty found expression largely in Protestantism.

The lamb-like horns symbolize a young, innocent, and peaceful nation. The United States established certain freedoms, including the freedom of religion. People could worship as they wished without government interference or control. The government is supposed to uphold that right. But eventually the beast begins to speak “like a dragon.” In the end times, the United States, spurning the ideals of its own constitution, will play a pivotal role in forcing people to worship against conscience or pay consequences.

Key Bible Texts

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 13:11 KJV)