Revelation 13:15-16 describes the actions of the second beast (False Prophet), who uses his power to give life to an image of the first beast, making it speak and command the execution of those who won't worship it, and then forces everyone (rich, poor, free, slave) to receive the beast's mark (or number, 666) on their hand or forehead to enable buying/selling.
Here's a breakdown of the verses (using KJV/NIV style):
Verse 15: The second beast (the False Prophet) is given power to give breath/life to the image of the first beast, enabling the image to speak and kill anyone who refuses to worship it.
Verse 16: This second beast forces everyone—regardless of status (small/great, rich/poor, free/slave)—to receive a mark on their right hand or forehead, a prerequisite for economic activity (buying/selling).
Key Themes:Deception & Control: The second beast uses miracles and deception (breathing life into an image) to enforce worship of the first beast.
Forced Allegiance: The mark is a sign of allegiance to the beast, enforced by economic exclusion and death.
Antichrist System: These verses depict the ultimate control system of the Antichrist, leading to a global economic/religious dictatorship.