Rev 12:11 | RWP | e4.org | They overcame him ( αυτο ενικησαν ). First aorist active indicative of νικαω , the verb used by Jesus of his own victory ( ) and about him ( ; ). "The victory of the martyrs marks the failure of Satan's endeavours" (Swete). Because of the blood of the Lamb ( δια το αιμα του αρνιου ). As in ; , ; . The blood of Christ is here presented by δια as the ground for the victory and not the means, as by εν in ; . Both ideas are true, but δια with the accusative gives only the reason. The blood of Christ does cleanse us from sin ( ; ). Christ conquered Satan, and so makes our victory possible ( .; ). "Thus the Lamb is the true συνηγορος (like Michael) of the New Israel, its παρακλητος προς τον πατερα ( )" (Swete). Because of the Word of their testimony ( δια τον λογον της μαρτυριας αυτων ). The same use of δια , "because of their testimony to Jesus" as in John's own case in . These martyrs have been true to their part. They loved not their life even unto death ( ουκ ηγαπησαν τεν ψυχην αυτων αχρ θανατου ). First aorist active indicative of αγαπαω . They did resist "unto blood" ( μεχρις αιματος ) and did not put their own lives before loyalty to Christ. There is a direct reference to the words of Jesus in as illustrated also in ; ; ; ; . Paul's own example is pertinent ( ; .). Jesus himself had been "obedient unto death" ( ). These martyrs seem to be still alive on earth, but their heroism is proleptically pictured.

‏ Revelation of John 12:11

They overcame him ( αυτο ενικησαν ). First aorist active indicative of νικαω, the verb used by Jesus of his own victory (Joh 16:33) and about him (Re 3:21; 5:5). "The victory of the martyrs marks the failure of Satan's endeavours" (Swete).

Because of the blood of the Lamb ( δια το αιμα του αρνιου ). As in 1:5; 5:6, 9; 7:14. The blood of Christ is here presented by δια as the ground for the victory and not the means, as by εν in 1:5; 5:9. Both ideas are true, but δια with the accusative gives only the reason. The blood of Christ does cleanse us from sin (Joh 1:29; 1Jo 1:7). Christ conquered Satan, and so makes our victory possible (Lu 11:21f.; Heb 2:18). "Thus the Lamb is the true συνηγορος (like Michael) of the New Israel, its παρακλητος προς τον πατερα (1Jo 2:1)" (Swete).

Because of the Word of their testimony ( δια τον λογον της μαρτυριας αυτων ). The same use of δια, "because of their testimony to Jesus" as in John's own case in 1:9. These martyrs have been true to their part.

They loved not their life even unto death ( ουκ ηγαπησαν τεν ψυχην αυτων αχρ θανατου ). First aorist active indicative of αγαπαω. They did resist "unto blood" ( μεχρις αιματος Heb 12:4) and did not put their own lives before loyalty to Christ. There is a direct reference to the words of Jesus in Joh 12:25 as illustrated also in Mr 8:35; Mt 10:39; 16:25; Lu 9:24; 17:33. Paul's own example is pertinent (Ac 21:13; Php 1:20ff.). Jesus himself had been "obedient unto death" (Php 2:8). These martyrs seem to be still alive on earth, but their heroism is proleptically pictured.