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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δοῦναι
he had power
G1325
δοῦναι
he had power
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
2 of 28
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτῷ
G846
αὐτῷ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 28
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
δοῦναι
he had power
G1325
δοῦναι
he had power
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
4 of 28
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
πνεῦμα
life
G4151
πνεῦμα
life
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
5 of 28
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰκόνα
the image
G1504
εἰκόνα
the image
Strong's:
G1504
Word #:
7 of 28
a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἵνα
should be killed
G2443
ἵνα
should be killed
Strong's:
G2443
Word #:
10 of 28
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰκόνα
the image
G1504
εἰκόνα
the image
Strong's:
G1504
Word #:
14 of 28
a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιήσῃ
cause
G4160
ποιήσῃ
cause
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
18 of 28
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
21 of 28
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
προσκυνήσωσιν
worship
G4352
προσκυνήσωσιν
worship
Strong's:
G4352
Word #:
22 of 28
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰκόνα
the image
G1504
εἰκόνα
the image
Strong's:
G1504
Word #:
24 of 28
a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Revelation 16:2And 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.Revelation 19:20And 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 20:4And 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 13:14And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.Revelation 14:11And 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 14:9And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,Revelation 17:6And 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.Revelation 18:20Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.Daniel 7:25And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
Historical Context
Ancient temples featured mechanical statues producing sounds, deceiving worshipers into believing statues spoke. Imperial cult enforcement included death penalties for refusing worship. Christians faced execution for treason (not worshiping Caesar). This vision warned that religious systems demanding worship under death threat are demonic, regardless of legal authority or popular participation.
Questions for Reflection
- How should you prepare spiritually for potential future situations demanding compromise between worship of God or facing severe consequences?
- What does the image's demand for worship reveal about the essential nature of totalitarian systems—whether ancient or modern?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Giving life to the beast's image so it speaks represents the animation of idolatry through demonic power or human ventriloquism. The speaking image recalls ancient oracles and pagan temple deceptions. The command to kill non-worshipers creates forced conformity through fear. Reformed theology recognizes that coerced worship is no worship at all—true worship requires willing hearts. The persecution for refusing the image's worship parallels Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace (Daniel 3). This tests genuine faith; true believers endure to death rather than compromise. The violence reveals Satan's hatred and the state's demonic character when demanding divine honors.