14. This second beast fooled the people living on earth by using the miracles that he had been given the power to do for the first beast. He ordered people to make an idol to honor the first beast, the one that was wounded by the sword but did not die.
15. The second beast was given power to give life to the idol of the first beast. Then the idol could speak and order all those who did not worship it to be killed.
16. The second beast also forced all people, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to have a mark put on their right hand or on their forehead.
17. No one could buy or sell without this mark. (This mark is the name of the beast or the number of its name.)
18. Anyone who has understanding can find the meaning of the beast’s number. This requires wisdom. This number is the number of a man. It is 666.