Revelation 12:11

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
αὐτῶν
G846
him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#3
ἐνίκησαν
G3528
they overcame
to subdue (literally or figuratively)
#4
αὐτῶν
G846
him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#5
διὰ
G1223
by
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#6
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
αἷμα
G129
the blood
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
#8
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἀρνίου
G721
of the Lamb
a lambkin
#10
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
διὰ
G1223
by
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#12
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
λόγον
G3056
the word
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#14
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
μαρτυρίας
G3141
testimony
evidence given (judicially or genitive case)
#16
αὐτῶν
G846
him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#17
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#19
ἠγάπησαν
G25
they loved
to love (in a social or moral sense)
#20
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ψυχὴν
G5590
lives
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
#22
αὐτῶν
G846
him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#23
ἄχρι
G891
unto
(of time) until or (of place) up to
#24
θανάτου
G2288
the death
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Revelation Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection