Rob Dalrymple, «The Use of ka1/ in Revelation 11,1 and the Implications
for the Identification of the Temple,
the Altar, and the Worshippers», Vol. 87 (2006) 387-294
Thus, by means of the symbolic act of measuring ‘the temple’, which is
composed of those who will suffer martyrdom (‘the altar’) and those who
remain faithful to the end (‘the worshippers’) John reassures the entire
covenant community that their eternal destiny is firmly within the sovereign
judge’s control. The epexegetical use of ka1/ in 11,1b explains why it is ‘the
altar’ and not some other piece of furniture that is measured. Finally, the
distinction between the righteous who are martyred and those who are not
confirms that John did not perceive all of the righteous as suffering
martyrdom.
The Use of kaiv in Revelation 11,1 389
of Hendriksen, “On the basis of the immediate context, the parallel expression
([Rev] 21,15), and the Old Testament background (Ezek 40,5; 42,20; Zech
2,1), we arrive at the conclusion that measuring the sanctuary means to set it
apart from that which is profane; in order that, thus separated, it may be
perfectly safe and protected from all harm†(15).
Also, supporting a metaphorical interpretation of Rev 11,1-2 is the
implausibility of ‘measuring’ people (16). Aune affirms that such a rendering,
“is problematic if taken literally†(17). Also, the use of e[kbale e[xwqen (lit.: cast
it outside) in 11,2, most likely references people as a result of the
impracticality of casting outside a temple court (18). Feuillet (19) has shown that
the expression ejkbavllein e[xw regularly applies to the expelling of people(20).
Thus, though measuring may also connote destruction or restoration (21),
that it serves as a metaphorical expression connoting divine protection
appears to be the most natural understanding of the measuring (22). In fact,
based on the use of measuring in relation to rebuilding in the OT, it appears
that both the sense of a divine restoration and a subsequent preservation are
entailed in the measuring. Hence, Fiorenza affirms, “the symbolic rhetoric of
11,1-2 thus promises that as the true priestly worshipers, Christians will be
eschatologically strengthened and protected in the end time†(23).
(15) W. HENDRIKSEN, More than Conquerors. An Interpretation of the Book of
Revelation (Grand Rapids 1961) 126.
(16) The NIV has negated the odd expression by translating the phrase “and count the
worshippers there.†Aune, similarly translates this phrase. He explains, “the translation
‘count’ is used here because metrei'n can mean both ‘measure’ and ‘count’ (AUNE,
Revelation, II, 578). Counting is also suggested by J.R. MICHAEL, Revelation (IVP NTCS;
Downer’s Grove, IL 1997) 137; and, D. THOMAS, Let’s Study Revelation (Edinburgh
2003) 94. The difficulty with this is the fact that the singular occurrence of this verb has
now been rendered by two different English verbs within the same sentence.
(17) AUNE, Revelation, II, 607.
(18) Cf. R. BAUCKHAM, The Climax of Prophecy. Studies on the Book of Revelation
(Edinburgh 1993) 270.
(19) A. FEUILLET, “Essai d’interpretation du chapitre 11 de l’Apocalypseâ€, NTS 4
(1958) 186. Cp. Luke 4,29; Acts 7,58; John 9,34-35; 12,31. Cf. AUNE, Revelation, II, 607.
(20) For further support that ‘measuring’ connotes divine protection see: AUNE,
Revelation, II, 578; BORING, Revelation, 143; HARRINGTON, Apocalypse, 155; D.E.
JOHNSON, Triumph of the Lamb (Phillipsburg, NJ 2001) 167; MICHAELS, Revelation, 137;
THOMAS, Revelation, 94; M. WILCOCK, I Saw Heaven Opened. The Message of Revelation
(Downer’s Grove, IL 1975) 104.
(21) Its use in terms of destruction appears in 2 Kgs 21,13, Isa 34,11, and Amos 7,7-9;
and in terms of restoration, Jer 31,39, Ezek 40,1, and Zech 1,16–2,6. In many instances,
however, the notion of restoration is virtually synonymous with that of preservation. In 2
Sam 8,2, measuring is used of both destruction and preservation.
(22) See: J.M. COURT, Myth and History in the Book of Revelation (Atlanta 1979) 86.
Aune, in fact, argues that the notion of preservation “is obviously intended here†(AUNE,
Revelation, II, 603). Keener refers to the suggestion that measuring conveys preservation as
“the most likely symbolic interpretation†(KEENER, Revelation, 289). Walvoord agrees that
it is a symbolic action, though he suggests that it conveys divine judgment (J.F. WALVOORD,
The Revelation of Jesus Christ [Chicago 1966] 176). See also: A.J. BEAGLEY, The ‘Sitz im
Leben’ of the Apocalypse with Particular Reference to the Role of the Church’s Enemies
(Berlin 1987) 61-62; CAIRD, Revelation, 131-32; HARRINGTON, Apocalypse, 151; J.R.
YEATTS, Revelation (BCBC; Scottdale, PA 2003) 191. Also, BARNHOUSE, Revelation, 194:
though he applies the symbolism to the protection of Israel.
(23) E.S. FIORENZA, Revelation: Vision of a Just World (Proclamation Commentaries;
Minneapolis 1991) 77. See: MOUNCE, Revelation, 213.