What does Revelation 13:14 mean?

Unfortunately, the False Prophet's display of great signs works. He leads those who dwell on the earth astray. Second John 1:7 speaks about this deception: "For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist." Jesus Himself predicted that at some point, false miracles would fool people into error (Matthew 24:24). This might refer to literal supernatural power. Or, given advancements in computer-generated imagery and other technology, it might mean something entirely artificial.

Duped by the False Prophet, unbelievers make an image for the first beast. He is described again as having been wounded but recovered. This time we learn he was wounded by the sword. This is perhaps a reference to the military power that overthrew the Roman Empire. Or, it might simply refer to a weapon, as in an assassination attempt.

It stands to reason that the image for the beast is some kind of statue or sculpture resembling the beast (Revelation 13:15). Human pride often pits itself against God. In his pride, Nebuchadnezzar ordered the construction of such an image to be placed in a highly visible location and commanded his subjects to fall down and worship it (Daniel 3:1–7).