We usually hear this passage quoted out of context. People love to quote the first part of verse 11 like this…
“ they overcame him because of the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony”
In the original Greek— the whole verse-and thought—contains the Greek word Kai 3 times— not 2. It is a conjunction that means (and).
The last part of the verse is usually cut off because it makes us uncomfortable. But we are missing an important part of the context. Here is the part that is usually left out:
“and they did not love their life even when faced with death.”
The truth in context is responding not only to the physical threats of Satan in the previous verses—- but the fact that in Christ we have died to our “old self”. If we stay in the truth of our new identity— born again and alive in Christ- eternally (by our testimony of and conviction to salvation through the blood of the Lamb), it cancels every accusation of the enemy.
Therefore, even the penalty of sin — death— has already been defeated— along with the fear of death. This empowers us to stand for and in Christ in the face of death for the sake of His name. There is so much more—
“Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying,
“Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.
(And) they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb (and) because of the word of their testimony, (and) they did not love their life even when faced with death.”
Revelation 12:10-11 NASB
(Scripture emphasis is my own, photo from one of my trips to Israel — Aquaducts of Caesarea Maritima)
Finding My Way Home 