Simultaneum; or, Insertion A parenthetic Insertion between the record of two simultaneous Events
Si´-mul-ta´-ne-um . Latin, from simul, at the same time, together .
This figure is used when, in a description of events, properly belonging to the same time, one is changed and put out of its historical place, and put in between two others, which is thus divided so as to take us by surprise.
It is, therefore, a kind of historical parenthesis, or logical Tmesis (q.v. [Note: Which see.]).
Mark 1:15-14. -Where Pilate’s words (verses 12, 14) are interrupted by the shouts of the People (verse 13). The events took place literally in this order: but, instead of describing the two events separately, Pilate’s words and the People’s are described at one and the same time.
Revelation 1:16. -Here the description (14, 16) of the work of the three unclean spirits in gathering together the kings of the earth to Armageddon is interrupted by verse 15; which is an injunction specially referring to that same time, and is therefore introduced there, by Simultaneum, for the sake of emphasis.