The Meaning of Revelation 12:11 Explained

Revelation 12:11

KJV: And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

YLT: and they did overcome him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life -- unto death;

Darby: and they have overcome him by reason of the blood of the Lamb, and by reason of the word of their testimony, and have not loved their life even unto death.

ASV: And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  they  overcame  him  by  the blood  of the Lamb,  and  by  the word  of their  testimony;  and  they loved  not  their  lives  unto  the death. 

What does Revelation 12:11 Mean?

Verse Meaning

This verse contains the second stanza of the song of praise begun in Revelation 12:10. "They" refers to believers whom Satan formerly accused before God. Jesus Christ"s death is the basis for believers" ultimate victory over Satan even though he has accused us. Because of the proleptic nature of this Song of Solomon , the singers were probably referring to believers who would yet suffer martyrdom during the last half of the Tribulation. The word of God to which they bear testimony is another key to their success along with the Lamb"s blood (cf. Revelation 1:2; Revelation 1:9; Revelation 6:9; Revelation 20:4). They would consent to die rather than proving unfaithful to Christ.
"The blood of the martyrs, rather than signaling the triumph of Satan, shows instead that they have gained the victory over the dragon by their acceptance of Jesus" Cross and their obedient suffering with him. This is one of John"s chief themes ( Revelation 1:9; Revelation 6:9; Revelation 14:12; Revelation 20:4). [1]

Context Summary

Revelation 12:7-17 - Satan Cast Down From Heaven
The spirit of evil waits to destroy each birth of good in our world. As soon as Mary had given birth to our Lord, Herod sought to destroy Him, and this is characteristic of all the ages. But God's care is always at hand to deliver His own. He has His prepared places, where He hides those who trust in Him. He keeps them in the secret of His pavilion from the strife of men.
Sin has brought conflict, not on our earth only, but throughout the universe; but from the heavenly places it has been driven, and the last stand is made on our earth. Is it not possible that the awful war which has desolated mankind may be one of the last phases of this age-long conflict? There is but one talisman of victory. We overcome only in so far as we take shelter in the blood of the Lamb and wield as our weapon the Word of God. As darkness cannot resist the light, so evil cannot exist before the witness of the Church and the child of God, if only we care more for the honor and glory of Christ than for our own lives. To the end there must be war between the seed of the woman and the dragon, and there must be bruising. But the final outcome is sure. As Satan was cast out of heaven, so he shall be cast out of earth, and Christ shall see of the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied. [source]

Chapter Summary: Revelation 12

1  A woman clothed with the sun travails
4  The great red dragon stands before her, ready to devour her child;
6  when she is delivered she flees into the desert
7  Michael and his angels fight with the dragon, and prevail
13  The dragon, being cast down into the earth, persecutes the woman

Greek Commentary for Revelation 12:11

They overcame him [αυτοι ενικησαν]
First aorist active indicative of νικαω — nikaō the verb used by Jesus of his own victory (John 16:33) and about him (Revelation 3:21; Revelation 5:5). “The victory of the martyrs marks the failure of Satan‘s endeavours” (Swete). [source]
Because of the blood of the Lamb [δια το αιμα του αρνιου]
As in Revelation 1:5; Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:9; Revelation 7:14. The blood of Christ is here presented by δια — dia as the ground for the victory and not the means, as by εν — en in Revelation 1:5; Revelation 5:9. Both ideas are true, but δια — dia with the accusative gives only the reason. The blood of Christ does cleanse us from sin (John 1:29; 1 John 1:7). Christ conquered Satan, and so makes our victory possible (Luke 11:21.; Hebrews 2:18). “Thus the Lamb is the true συνηγορος — sunēgoros (like Michael) of the New Israel, its παρακλητος προς τον πατερα — paraklētos pros ton patera (1 John 2:1)” (Swete).Because of the Word of their testimony (δια τον λογον της μαρτυριας αυτων — dia ton logon tēs marturias autōn). The same use of δια — dia “because of their testimony to Jesus” as in John‘s own case in Revelation 1:9. These martyrs have been true to their part.They loved not their life even unto death First aorist active indicative of αγαπαω — agapaō They did resist “unto blood” Jesus himself had been “obedient unto death” (Philemon 2:8). These martyrs seem to be still alive on earth, but their heroism is proleptically pictured. [source]
Because of the Word of their testimony [δια τον λογον της μαρτυριας αυτων]
The same use of δια — dia “because of their testimony to Jesus” as in John‘s own case in Revelation 1:9. These martyrs have been true to their part. [source]
They loved not their life even unto death [ουκ ηγαπησαν τεν πσυχην αυτων αχρι τανατου]
First aorist active indicative of αγαπαω — agapaō They did resist “unto blood” Jesus himself had been “obedient unto death” (Philemon 2:8). These martyrs seem to be still alive on earth, but their heroism is proleptically pictured. [source]
Overcame [ἐνίκησαν]
See on 1 John 2:13. [source]
By the blood of the Lamb [διὰ τὸ αἷμα τοῦ ἀρνίου]
The preposition διά with the accusative signifies on account of. Hence Rev., correctly, because of: in virtue of the shedding of that blood. Similarly in the succeeding clause, “because of the word of their testimony.” For lamb, see on Revelation 5:6. [source]
Testimony [μαρτυρίας]
See on John 1:7. [source]
They loved not their life even unto death []
Alford, correctly, “they carried their not-love of their life even unto death.” [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Revelation 12:11

1 Peter 1:2 The foreknowledge [προγνωσιν]
Late substantive (Plutarch, Lucian, papyri) from προγινωσκω — proginōskō (1 Peter 1:20), to know beforehand, only twice in N.T. (here and Acts 2:23 in Peter‘s sermon). In this Epistle Peter often uses substantives rather than verbs (cf. Romans 8:29).Of God the Father (τεου πατρος — theou patros). Anarthous again and genitive case. See πατηρ — patēr applied to God also in 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 1:17 as often by Paul (Romans 1:7, etc.). Peter here presents the Trinity (God the Father, the Spirit, Jesus Christ).In sanctification of the Spirit Clearly the Holy Spirit, though anarthrous like τεου πατρος — theou patros Late word from αγιαζω — hagiazō to render holy Obedience (from υπακουω — hupakouō to hear under, to hearken) to the Lord Jesus as in 1 Peter 1:22 “to the truth,” result of “the sanctification.”And sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ Late substantive from ραντιζω — rantizō to sprinkle (Hebrews 9:13), a word used in the lxx of the sacrifices (Num 19:9, 13, 20, etc.), but not in any non-biblical source so far as known, in N.T. only here and Hebrews 12:24 (of the sprinkling of blood). Reference to the death of Christ on the Cross and to the ratification of the New Covenant by the blood of Christ as given in Hebrews 9:19.; Hebrews 12:24 with allusion to Exodus 24:3-8. Paul does not mention this ritual use of the blood of Christ, but Jesus does (Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24). Hence it is not surprising to find the use of it by Peter and the author of Hebrews. Hort suggests that Peter may also have an ulterior reference to the blood of the martyrs as in Revelation 7:14.; Revelation 12:11, but only as illustration of what Jesus did for us, not as having any value. The whole Epistle is a commentary upon προγνωσις τεου αγιασμος πνευματοσ αιμα Χριστου — prognōsis theouπλητυντειη — hagiasmos pneumatosπλητυνω — haima Christou (Bigg). Peter is not ashamed of the blood of Christ.Be multiplied (πλητυς — plēthuntheiē). First aorist passive optative (volitive) of χαρις και ειρηνη — plēthunō old verb (from ελεος — plēthus fulness), in a wish. So in 2 Peter 1:2; Judges 1:2, but nowhere else in N.T. salutations. Grace and peace (ελεος — charis kai eirēnē) occur together in 2 Peter 1:2, in 2 John 1:2 (with eleos), and in all Paul‘s Epistles (with eleos added in 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy). [source]
1 Peter 1:2 In sanctification of the Spirit [εν αγιασμωι πνευματος]
Clearly the Holy Spirit, though anarthrous like τεου πατρος — theou patros Late word from αγιαζω — hagiazō to render holy Obedience (from υπακουω — hupakouō to hear under, to hearken) to the Lord Jesus as in 1 Peter 1:22 “to the truth,” result of “the sanctification.”And sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ Late substantive from ραντιζω — rantizō to sprinkle (Hebrews 9:13), a word used in the lxx of the sacrifices (Num 19:9, 13, 20, etc.), but not in any non-biblical source so far as known, in N.T. only here and Hebrews 12:24 (of the sprinkling of blood). Reference to the death of Christ on the Cross and to the ratification of the New Covenant by the blood of Christ as given in Hebrews 9:19.; Hebrews 12:24 with allusion to Exodus 24:3-8. Paul does not mention this ritual use of the blood of Christ, but Jesus does (Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24). Hence it is not surprising to find the use of it by Peter and the author of Hebrews. Hort suggests that Peter may also have an ulterior reference to the blood of the martyrs as in Revelation 7:14.; Revelation 12:11, but only as illustration of what Jesus did for us, not as having any value. The whole Epistle is a commentary upon προγνωσις τεου αγιασμος πνευματοσ αιμα Χριστου — prognōsis theouπλητυντειη — hagiasmos pneumatosπλητυνω — haima Christou (Bigg). Peter is not ashamed of the blood of Christ.Be multiplied (πλητυς — plēthuntheiē). First aorist passive optative (volitive) of χαρις και ειρηνη — plēthunō old verb (from ελεος — plēthus fulness), in a wish. So in 2 Peter 1:2; Judges 1:2, but nowhere else in N.T. salutations. Grace and peace (ελεος — charis kai eirēnē) occur together in 2 Peter 1:2, in 2 John 1:2 (with eleos), and in all Paul‘s Epistles (with eleos added in 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy). [source]
1 Peter 1:2 And sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ [ραντισμον αιματος Ιησου Χριστου]
Late substantive from ραντιζω — rantizō to sprinkle (Hebrews 9:13), a word used in the lxx of the sacrifices (Num 19:9, 13, 20, etc.), but not in any non-biblical source so far as known, in N.T. only here and Hebrews 12:24 (of the sprinkling of blood). Reference to the death of Christ on the Cross and to the ratification of the New Covenant by the blood of Christ as given in Hebrews 9:19.; Hebrews 12:24 with allusion to Exodus 24:3-8. Paul does not mention this ritual use of the blood of Christ, but Jesus does (Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24). Hence it is not surprising to find the use of it by Peter and the author of Hebrews. Hort suggests that Peter may also have an ulterior reference to the blood of the martyrs as in Revelation 7:14.; Revelation 12:11, but only as illustration of what Jesus did for us, not as having any value. The whole Epistle is a commentary upon προγνωσις τεου αγιασμος πνευματοσ αιμα Χριστου — prognōsis theouπλητυντειη — hagiasmos pneumatosπλητυνω — haima Christou (Bigg). Peter is not ashamed of the blood of Christ.Be multiplied (πλητυς — plēthuntheiē). First aorist passive optative (volitive) of χαρις και ειρηνη — plēthunō old verb (from ελεος — plēthus fulness), in a wish. So in 2 Peter 1:2; Judges 1:2, but nowhere else in N.T. salutations. Grace and peace (ελεος — charis kai eirēnē) occur together in 2 Peter 1:2, in 2 John 1:2 (with eleos), and in all Paul‘s Epistles (with eleos added in 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy). [source]
1 John 2:13 Have overcome [νενικήκατε]
Compare John 16:33. The image is characteristic of Revelation and First Epistle. See Revelation 2:7, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 2:17, Revelation 2:26; Revelation 12:11; Revelation 21:7; 1 John 2:14; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:4, 1 John 5:5. [source]
3 John 1:2 Soul [ψυχή]
See on Mark 12:30; see on Luke 1:46. The soul ( ψυχή ) is the principle of individuality, the seat of personal impressions. It has a side in contact with both the material and the spiritual element of humanity, and is thus the mediating organ between body and spirit. Its meaning, therefore, constantly rises above life or the living individual, and takes color from its relation to either the emotional or the spiritual side of life, from the fact of its being the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions, and the bearer and manifester of the divine life-principle ( πνεῦμα ). Consequently ψυχή is often used in our sense of heart (Luke 1:46; Luke 2:35; John 10:24; Acts 14:2); and the meanings of ψυχή souland πνεῦμα spiritoccasionally approach each other very closely. Compare John 12:27, and John 11:33; Matthew 11:29, and 1 Corinthians 16:18. Also both words in Luke 1:47. In this passage ψυχή soulexpresses the soul regarded as moral being designed for everlasting life. See Hebrews 6:19; Hebrews 10:39; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Peter 4:19. John commonly uses the word to denote the principle of the natural life. See John 10:11, John 10:15; John 13:37; John 15:13; 1 John 3:16; Revelation 8:9; Revelation 12:11; Revelation 16:3. [source]
Revelation 14:1 The Lamb [το αρνιον]
See Revelation 5:6; Revelation 7:17; Revelation 12:11; Revelation 13:8 and is in contrast with the anarthrous αρνιον — arnion in Revelation 13:11. This proleptic vision of the Lamb “standing on the mount Zion” These victors have the name of the Lamb and God upon their foreheads as in Revelation 3:12; Revelation 22:4, in place of the mark of the beast above (Revelation 13:16; Revelation 14:11). This seal protects them (Revelation 9:4). [source]
Revelation 2:7 To him that overcometh [τωι νικωντι]
Dative of the present (continuous victory) active articular participle of νικαω — nikaō a common Johannine verb (John 16:33; 1 John 2:13; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:4.; Revelation 2:7, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 2:17, Revelation 2:26; Revelation 3:5, Revelation 3:12, Revelation 3:21; Revelation 5:5; Revelation 12:11; Revelation 15:2; Revelation 17:14; Revelation 21:7). Faith is dominant in Paul, victory in John, faith is victory (1 John 5:4). So in each promise to these churches. [source]
Revelation 2:7 The spirit [το πνευμα]
The Holy Spirit as in Revelation 14:13; Revelation 22:17. Both Christ and the Holy Spirit deliver this message. “The Spirit of Christ in the prophet is the interpreter of Christ‘s voice” (Swete).To him that overcometh (τωι νικωντι — tōi nikōnti). Dative of the present (continuous victory) active articular participle of νικαω — nikaō a common Johannine verb (John 16:33; 1 John 2:13; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:4.; Revelation 2:7, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 2:17, Revelation 2:26; Revelation 3:5, Revelation 3:12, Revelation 3:21; Revelation 5:5; Revelation 12:11; Revelation 15:2; Revelation 17:14; Revelation 21:7). Faith is dominant in Paul, victory in John, faith is victory (1 John 5:4). So in each promise to these churches.I will give Future active of διδωμι — didōmi as in Revelation 2:10, Revelation 2:17, Revelation 2:23, Revelation 2:26, Revelation 2:28; Revelation 3:8, Revelation 3:21; Revelation 6:4; Revelation 11:3; Revelation 21:6.To eat (παγειν — phagein). Second aorist active infinitive of εστιω — esthiō the tree of life (εκ του χυλου της ζωης — ek tou xulou tēs zōēs). Note εκ — ek with the ablative with παγειν — phagein like our “eat of” (from or part of). From Genesis 2:9; Genesis 3:22. Again in Revelation 22:2, Revelation 22:14 as here for immortality. This tree is now in the Garden of God. For the water of life see Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:17 (Cf. John 4:10, John 4:13.).Which The χυλον — xulon (tree).In the Paradise of God (εν τωι παραδεισωι του τεου — en tōi paradeisōi tou theou). Persian word, for which see Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 12:4. The abode of God and the home of the redeemed with Christ, not a mere intermediate state. It was originally a garden of delight and finally heaven itself (Trench), as here. [source]

What do the individual words in Revelation 12:11 mean?

And they have overcome him by reason of the blood of the Lamb by reason of the word of the testimony of them not they have loved the life unto death
καὶ αὐτοὶ ἐνίκησαν αὐτὸν διὰ τὸ αἷμα τοῦ Ἀρνίου διὰ τὸν λόγον τῆς μαρτυρίας αὐτῶν οὐκ ἠγάπησαν τὴν ψυχὴν ἄχρι θανάτου

ἐνίκησαν  have  overcome 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: νικάω  
Sense: to conquer.
διὰ  by  reason 
Parse: Preposition
Root: διά  
Sense: through.
τὸ  of  the 
Parse: Article, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
αἷμα  blood 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: αἷμα  
Sense: blood.
τοῦ  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ἀρνίου  Lamb 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: ἀρνίον  
Sense: .
διὰ  by  reason  of 
Parse: Preposition
Root: διά  
Sense: through.
λόγον  word 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: λόγος  
Sense: of speech.
τῆς  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
μαρτυρίας  testimony 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: μαρτυρία  
Sense: a testifying.
αὐτῶν  of  them 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
ἠγάπησαν  they  have  loved 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: ἀγαπάω  
Sense: of persons.
ψυχὴν  life 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ψυχή  
Sense: breath.
ἄχρι  unto 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἄχρι  
Sense: until, unto, etc.
θανάτου  death 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: θάνατος 
Sense: the death of the body.