Revelation 13:15; Make An Image to the Beast (2)

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. 

By divine permission, the second beast exercises remarkable powers on behalf of the first beast’s image. It was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast could both speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast be killed. Though God alone can give life, the phrase, “power to give” indicates that He merits the beast to do it in this instance.

Pneuma “Breath” is not the same as zoe “life”, so some feel that the beast made the image only appear to be breathing (Smith, Walvoord). But the reminder of v15 indicates that the image spoke and caused the execution of those who refused to worship the image. The pneuma is therefore the equivalent to zoe “the breath of life” so recently encountered in connection with the two witnesses (Revelation 11:1).

Revelation 11:11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 

So this beast exceeds all earlier idolators in blaspheming God and usurping His power to bestow life. (Kiddle)

[Robert. L Thomas, Moody Press, 1995, 178]