Revelation 13:15

And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

And {G2532} he {G846} had power {G1325} to give {G1325} life {G4151} unto the image {G1504} of the beast {G2342}, that {G2443} the image {G1504} of the beast {G2342} should {G2980} both {G2532} speak {G2980}, and {G2532} cause {G4160} that as many as {G3745} would {G302}{G4352} not {G3361} worship {G4352} the image {G1504} of the beast {G2342} should be killed {G2443}{G615}.

It was allowed to put breath into the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast could even speak; and it was allowed to cause anyone who would not worship the image of the beast to be put to death.

The second beast was permitted to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship it to be killed.

And it was given unto him to give breath to it, even to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as should not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

Commentary

Revelation 13:15 (KJV) describes a chilling aspect of the end-time deception and persecution orchestrated by the second beast, often identified as the False Prophet. This verse highlights the extreme lengths to which this power will go to enforce worship of the first beast and its image.

Context

This verse follows the description of the second beast, which rises from the earth and has "two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon." Unlike the first beast (from the sea), this second beast performs great wonders, even making fire come down from heaven (Revelation 13:13). Its primary role is to deceive humanity and compel them to worship the first beast, which had received a deadly wound but was healed (Revelation 13:3). Verse 15 specifically details how the second beast empowers an "image of the beast" to become a tool of enforcement.

Key Themes

  • Forced Worship and Idolatry: The central command is to worship the image of the beast, making it a test of allegiance. This is a direct challenge to the worship of God alone, echoing ancient idolatry and the command to have no other gods before Him.
  • Deception and False Miracles: The ability to "give life" and make the image "speak" is presented as a supernatural act, designed to awe and compel belief. This aligns with warnings about false prophets performing signs and wonders to lead people astray (Matthew 24:24).
  • Persecution and Martyrdom: The consequence for refusal to worship is death. This underscores the intense persecution faced by believers in the end times, consistent with themes throughout Revelation where those who refuse the beast's authority are targeted (Revelation 20:4).
  • The Power of the False Prophet: The second beast (False Prophet) wields immense power, not for good, but to serve the agenda of the first beast and the dragon (Satan).

Linguistic Insights

The term "image" here is from the Greek word eikon (Ρἰκών), which means a likeness, figure, or representation. It's not just a statue but something designed to perfectly represent or embody the first beast. The power to "give life" (Greek: pneuma, πνΡῦμα, often meaning "spirit" or "breath") to this image implies an animating force, making it appear to be alive and capable of speech, thus enhancing its deceptive power and authority. This is not biological life (zoe), but an imparted animation or spirit that makes the image seem active and authoritative.

Practical Application

Revelation 13:15 serves as a stark warning about the nature of evil in the end times. It calls believers to:

  • Discernment: Be wary of signs and wonders that promote false worship or lead away from Christ. True power from God always glorifies Him and leads to truth, not coercion.
  • Steadfastness: The verse highlights the ultimate test of faith – whether one will compromise their devotion to Christ to save their physical life. It underscores the importance of endurance and faithfulness even unto death.
  • Resistance to Idolatry: While the specific "image of the beast" may be future, the principle of resisting any system, ideology, or cultural pressure that demands ultimate allegiance apart from God is timeless.

This verse reinforces the urgency for believers to stand firm in their faith, preparing for a time when allegiance to Christ may come at the highest cost, as described in Revelation's prophetic narrative about the mark of the beast and its implications.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 19:20

    And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

  • Revelation 20:4

    And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

  • Revelation 16:2

    And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and [upon] them which worshipped his image.

  • Daniel 3:3

    Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

  • Daniel 3:6

    And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

  • Revelation 14:11

    And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

  • Revelation 17:6

    And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.
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