represented by the beast exercised its will and authority (see on ch. 12:3). Crowns. Gr. diadēmata, “kingly crowns” (see on ch. 12:3). These crowns on the horns confirm the identification of the horns as political powers. Name. Textual evidence is divided (cf. p. 10) between this and the reading “names.” Blasphemy. Gr. blasphēmia, meaning “railing,” “slander,” when directed against men, and impious speech when directed against God. The latter sense is doubtless predominant here. The name or names