Imitatio Ezechielis: The Irregular Grammar of Revelation Reconsidered

The irregular grammar of Revelation has been noted since the third century CE. Drawing on the ancient practice of imitatio, Best argues that John's irregular grammar was caused by his imitation of the irregular grammar encountered in the prophetic commissioning scene of his authoritative predecessor, Ezekiel. John's overall strategy aligns his prophetic voice with the voice of Israel's authoritative prophetic tradition. By using irregular grammar, John speaks in the vox Ezechielis.