This is a reference to the second beast of Revelation 13, the “beast rising out of the earth” (Revelation 13:11–18). That is evident from the fact that this beast does “signs” to “deceive” those who had the “mark”—all allusions to that second beast. Further, what characterized the second beast was that “it spoke like a dragon” (Revelation 13:11), that is, its words are lies (Revelation 12:9; Revelation 13:14). That this beast is now described as “the false prophet” exposes its true identity.
20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.