Lexical Summary alektorophónia: Cockcrow Original Word: ἀλεκτοροφωνία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cockcrowing. From alektor and phone; cock-crow, i.e. The third night-watch -- cockcrowing. see GREEK alektor see GREEK phone NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alektór and phóné Definition the crowing of a rooster NASB Translation rooster crows (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 219: ἀλεκτοροφωνίαἀλεκτοροφωνία, (ας, ἡ (ἀλέκτωρ and φωνή (Winers Grammar, 25)), the crowing of a cock, cock-crowing: Aesop fab. 79 (44). Used of the third watch of the night: Mark 13:35; in this passage the watches are enumerated into which the Jews, following the Roman method, divided the night; (cf. Winers RWB under the word Nachtwachen; B. D. under the word Topical Lexicon Definition and Background Occurring only in Mark 13:35, ἀλεκτοροφωνίας identifies the third of the four Roman night watches (roughly 3:00 – 6:00 a.m.), the interval marked by the rooster’s call signaling the approach of dawn. Jesus employs the term in His Olivet discourse to illustrate the unpredictable timing of His return: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or at dawn” (Mark 13:35). Biblical Usage • Sole occurrence: Mark 13:35. Theological Significance 1. Continuous readiness. By naming every watch—including “cock-crow”—Jesus teaches that His followers must remain alert even during periods of deepest fatigue (Mark 13:33-37; 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8). Historical Context First-century Judea had adopted the Roman four-watch system, replacing the earlier Jewish three-watch division (compare Exodus 14:24 with Matthew 14:25). “Cock-crow” was universally recognized because roosters crow dependably as night wanes. City gates frequently reopened at this hour, merchants prepared goods, and travelers resumed journeys—making the image instantly familiar to listeners. Connections to Peter’s Denial Though ἀλεκτοροφωνίας itself is confined to Mark 13:35, the broader motif of cock-crow frames Peter’s failure and restoration: Early Church and Liturgical Heritage Early believers often gathered for prayer at cock-crow, viewing it as a practical and symbolic moment to seek the Lord. Patristic writers (e.g., Tertullian, Cyprian) mention the “Gallicinium” as a standard hour of devotion. Monastic practice later incorporated Vigils or Matins during this watch to embody the Lord’s command, reinforcing habits of watchfulness and early-morning praise. Practical Ministry Applications • Encourage intentional periods of prayer and Scripture meditation at or near dawn, aligning personal discipline with the biblical call to readiness. Key Themes for Teaching and Preaching Watchfulness – Readiness – Repentance – Dawn of the Kingdom – Faithfulness of Christ’s Word – Discipline in Prayer Suggested Cross-References Matthew 24:42-44; Matthew 26:41; Matthew 26:75; Luke 21:34-36; Romans 13:11-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8; 1 Peter 4:7; Revelation 22:12 Forms and Transliterations αλεκτοροφωνιας αλεκτοροφωνίας ἀλεκτοροφωνίας alektorophonias alektorophonías alektorophōnias alektorophōníasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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