King James Version

What Does Revelation 13:15 Mean?

Revelation 13:15 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 . life: Gr. breath

Revelation 13:15 · KJV


Context

13

And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,

14

And 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.

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 . life: Gr. breath

16

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand , or in their foreheads: to receive: Gr. to give them

17

And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should you prepare spiritually for potential future situations demanding compromise between worship of God or facing severe consequences?
  2. What does the image's demand for worship reveal about the essential nature of totalitarian systems—whether ancient or modern?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
καὶ1 of 28

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δοῦναι2 of 28

he had power

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτῷ3 of 28
G846

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

δοῦναι4 of 28

he had power

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

πνεῦμα5 of 28

life

G4151

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

τῇ6 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εἰκόνα7 of 28

the image

G1504

a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance

τοῦ8 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θηρίου9 of 28

of the beast

G2342

a dangerous animal

ἵνα10 of 28

should be killed

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καὶ11 of 28

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λαλήσῃ12 of 28

should

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

13 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εἰκόνα14 of 28

the image

G1504

a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance

τοῦ15 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θηρίου16 of 28

of the beast

G2342

a dangerous animal

καὶ17 of 28

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ποιήσῃ18 of 28

cause

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ὅσοι19 of 28

that as many as

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἂν20 of 28

would

G302

whatsoever

μὴ21 of 28

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

προσκυνήσωσιν22 of 28

worship

G4352

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

τὴν23 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εἰκόνα24 of 28

the image

G1504

a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance

τοῦ25 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θηρίου26 of 28

of the beast

G2342

a dangerous animal

ἵνα27 of 28

should be killed

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἀποκτανθῶσιν28 of 28
G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 13:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 13:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study