Revelation 12 11

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.

Revelation 12:11 nkjv

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

Revelation 12:11 niv

They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

Revelation 12:11 esv

And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

Revelation 12:11 nlt

And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb
and by their testimony.
And they did not love their lives so much
that they were afraid to die.

Revelation 12 verses

Revelation 12 11 Meaning

Revelation 12:11 declares the spiritual victory of believers over Satan, the accuser. This victory is achieved through the finished work of Christ on the cross—symbolized by "the blood of the Lamb"—and through the unwavering witness and confession of faith by His followers. Critically, their triumph is also attributed to their profound commitment to Christ, prioritizing His truth and kingdom even above their own earthly lives, demonstrated by their readiness to suffer martyrdom rather than deny their faith. This verse encapsulates the Christian strategy and ultimate pathway to victory in cosmic spiritual warfare.

Revelation 12 11 Context

Revelation 12 is a symbolic depiction of cosmic spiritual warfare. The chapter begins by presenting a "woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars," giving birth to a male child destined to rule the nations. This woman broadly represents God's faithful people, whether Israel from whom Christ came, or the Church, who inherits her spiritual heritage. The "male child" is clearly Christ, who is caught up to God's throne. A "great red dragon," explicitly identified as Satan and the Devil (Rev 12:9), attempts to devour the child. Having failed to destroy Christ, the dragon then turns his wrath towards the woman, initiating persecution. Revelation 12:10 announces Satan's defeat and expulsion from heaven, no longer able to accuse believers before God. Verse 11, therefore, explains how the earthly followers of God participate in and manifest this heavenly victory over the newly cast-down accuser. It is an assurance to persecuted saints in John's time (and through history) that despite fierce opposition, victory is assured through their steadfast faith and witness.

Revelation 12 11 Word analysis

• And they overcame him (καὶ αὐτοὶ ἐνίκησαν αὐτόν):

  • They: Refers to the "brothers" mentioned in Rev 12:10, believers who are part of God's redeemed community.
  • overcame (ἐνίκησαν - enikēsan): From nikao (νικάω), meaning to conquer, vanquish, prevail. This verb is prominent in Revelation, frequently used of Christ's victory (e.g., Rev 3:21, 5:5) and also the believers' victory over sin, the world, and Satan (Rev 2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:26, 3:5, 3:12, 3:21). It emphasizes a decisive triumph, not just survival. The victory here is presented as a completed action (aorist tense).
  • him (αὐτόν): Refers to the dragon, Satan, the accuser.
  • Significance: Believers share in Christ's ultimate victory. Their overcoming is a demonstration of Satan's prior defeat (Rev 12:9-10).

• by the blood of the Lamb (διὰ τὸ αἷμα τοῦ Ἀρνίου):

  • by (διὰ - dia): "Through" or "by means of," indicating the instrument or channel of their victory.
  • the blood (τὸ αἷμα - to haima): Signifies Christ's sacrificial death on the cross. It represents the atoning work of Christ, which paid the price for sin, secured redemption, and broke the power of Satan (Heb 2:14-15). Satan's accusations against believers lose their power because Christ's blood has cleansed them from sin. It's the ultimate answer to the accuser.
  • of the Lamb (τοῦ Ἀρνίου - tou Arniou): "The Lamb" (Arníon) is a frequent and significant title for Jesus Christ in Revelation (e.g., Rev 5:6, 7:17, 13:8). It powerfully links Christ to the Passover lamb (Ex 12) and the suffering servant of Isa 53, who willingly gave His life as a perfect sacrifice. It denotes His meekness yet ultimate power.
  • Significance: The victory is not by human might or wisdom, but solely by the atoning power of Christ's sacrificial death.

• and by the word of their testimony (καὶ διὰ τὸν λόγον τῆς μαρτυρίας αὐτῶν):

  • and by (καὶ διὰ): Indicates another means, working in conjunction with the first.
  • the word (τὸν λόγον - ton logon): Refers to the message, declaration, or confession. It is the verbalization of their faith.
  • of their testimony (τῆς μαρτυρίας αὐτῶν - tēs martyrias autōn): "Testimony" (martyria) refers to the witness or declaration made about Christ. In Revelation, "the testimony of Jesus" is often used to describe prophetic witness inspired by Jesus (Rev 1:2, 1:9, 19:10, 20:4). This is the content of their faithful confession and proclamation of the Gospel. It’s their public witness to what God has done in Christ.
  • Significance: While Christ's blood is the foundation of victory, believers participate by actively bearing witness to that truth. This witness confronts and silences Satan's lies and accusations.

• and they did not love their lives even unto death (καὶ οὐκ ἠγάπησαν τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτῶν ἄχρι θανάτου):

  • and they did not love (καὶ οὐκ ἠγάπησαν - kai ouk ēgapēsan): "Loved" comes from agapaō (ἀγαπάω), signifying a deep, committed love. The negation means they chose not to hold this aspect dearest.
  • their lives (τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτῶν - tēn psychēn autōn): "Lives" (psychē) refers to their soul, personal being, physical life, or self-preservation. It is their very existence in the physical realm.
  • even unto death (ἄχρι θανάτου - achri thanatou): "Up to death," "to the point of death." This means their commitment to Christ and their testimony was so absolute that they were willing to suffer martyrdom rather than compromise their faith or deny Christ.
  • Significance: This element speaks to the practical, costly outworking of their faith. True victory involves ultimate surrender and allegiance to Christ, even when it demands the ultimate sacrifice. Their refusal to cling to self-preservation demonstrates faith's triumph over fear and the world's threats. This also connects the idea of "testimony" (martyria) to "martyr" (martys), emphasizing the ultimate witness.

Revelation 12 11 Bonus section

The context of Revelation 12:11 positions the victory of believers within the broader narrative of cosmic spiritual warfare. While Satan (the dragon/accuser) is ultimately cast out of heaven by Michael and his angels (Rev 12:7-9), his malicious activity shifts to intensified persecution on earth. This verse serves as a crucial explanation of how believers on earth continue to resist and overcome this defeated but still dangerous foe. It’s not a battle they fight to gain victory, but rather they demonstrate their part in a victory already won by the Lamb. The angelic song of Revelation 12:10 praises God for casting out the accuser, and verse 11 provides the earthly complement, revealing the qualities and actions of the "brothers" that enable them to participate in this divine triumph. The mention of "the blood of the Lamb" points back to the Passover liberation (Ex 12), underscoring that deliverance from ultimate spiritual bondage is provided by sacrificial death. This theological backdrop emphasizes that Satan has no legitimate claim or ground against those cleansed by Christ’s blood. The suffering described "unto death" directly challenges contemporary pagan beliefs where compromise for self-preservation was common and expected. For the early church facing Roman persecution, this verse was not merely theological insight but a practical call to unwavering allegiance in the face of brutal oppression, transforming suffering into a powerful act of witness. It defines true spiritual courage as anchored in divine provision and ultimate fidelity.

Revelation 12 11 Commentary

Revelation 12:11 provides a powerful theological and practical summary of how believers triumph in the ongoing cosmic conflict between God and Satan. The verse delineates three interconnected aspects of this victory. Firstly and fundamentally, the victory is "by the blood of the Lamb." This underscores that salvation and all spiritual victory are exclusively achieved through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. His blood neutralizes Satan's accusations (who is the accuser of the brethren), removes the guilt of sin that Satan uses to condemn, and breaks the power of sin and death (Heb 2:14). It is the divine means by which God's people are purified and reconciled.

Secondly, believers overcome "by the word of their testimony." This highlights the active participation of believers. While Christ’s work is complete, our witness and confession of that truth is crucial. This "testimony" refers to proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ—who He is, what He has done, and His lordship. It's the steadfast declaration of their faith, despite threats or persecution. In the face of Satan's lies and intimidation, the believer's verbalized witness stands as an opposing truth. This active testimony means living out and speaking forth the Gospel.

Thirdly, their victory is manifest because "they did not love their lives even unto death." This element emphasizes the profound depth of their commitment and the cost of true discipleship. Their unwavering devotion to Christ surpassed their instinct for self-preservation. They valued loyalty to the Lamb and His truth above their earthly existence. This readiness to suffer martyrdom (being a "martyr" martys is one who "bears witness" martyria with their life) is the ultimate demonstration that Satan, even in his final earthly fury, cannot break their allegiance or eternal hope. This radical detachment from life for Christ's sake perfectly counters Satan's attempts to entice compromise or instill fear. Together, these three aspects reveal a holistic victory: secured by Christ's finished work, actualized by faithful witness, and sealed by ultimate commitment.

Practical Examples:

• A person who chooses to forgive deeply based on Christ's forgiveness (blood of the Lamb) rather than hold onto bitterness, thus silencing the accuser's lies about their identity.
• Someone openly sharing their faith (word of testimony) despite facing ridicule or social pressure, boldly proclaiming Christ’s truth.
• A believer choosing to maintain their Christian convictions in the workplace even if it jeopardizes a promotion or their job (not loving life even unto death), trusting God’s sovereignty over their comfort or security.