### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἀλεκτοροφωνία (alektorophōnia, `{{G219}}`) is a compound noun derived from ἀλέκτωρ (alektōr, `{{G218}}`), meaning "a cock" or "rooster," and φωνή (phōnē, `{{G5456}}`), meaning "a sound," "voice," or "cry." Literally, it translates to "cock-crow" or "the sound of a cock." In its biblical usage, it functions primarily as a temporal marker, specifically designating the third of the four Roman night watches, which typically occurred between midnight and 3:00 AM. Its semantic range is narrow, precisely defining this specific nocturnal period, characterized by the rooster's distinctive call.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀλεκτοροφωνία appears exclusively in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Mark.
* **[[Mark 13:35]]**: "Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the cockcrowing, or in the morning." Here, ἀλεκτοροφωνία is presented as one of the four distinct Roman night watches (ὀψέ, μεσονύκτιον, ἀλεκτοροφωνία, πρωΐ). This verse is part of Jesus' eschatological discourse, emphasizing the disciples' need for constant vigilance and readiness for the Lord's unexpected return. The inclusion of "cockcrowing" alongside other specific time markers underscores its function as a precise and recognized division of the night.
While the specific noun ἀλεκτοροφωνία is limited to [[Mark 13:35]], the *event* of the "cockcrow" is central to the narrative of Peter's denial of Jesus, appearing in all four Gospels:
* **[[Mark 14:30]]**: "And Jesus said to him, 'Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.'"
* **[[Mark 14:72]]**: "A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, 'Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.' And when he thought about it, he wept."
* Similar prophecies and fulfillments are found in [[Matthew 26:34]], [[Luke 22:34]], and [[John 13:38]], often using the verb "to crow" (φωνέω, `{{G5455}}`) in relation to the rooster.
The contextual analysis reveals that ἀλεκτοροφωνία is more than just a time; it is a prophetic signpost. In the context of Peter's denial, the cockcrow serves as the precise, audible fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy, leading to Peter's immediate and profound remorse.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἀλέκτωρ (alektōr, `{{G218}}`):** The rooster itself, whose crowing defines the ἀλεκτοροφωνία. This word is fundamental to understanding the source of the "cock-crow."
* **φωνή (phōnē, `{{G5456}}`):** The "sound" or "voice" component of ἀλεκτοροφωνία, signifying the auditory event that marks the time.
* **Night Watches:** The concept of dividing the night into watches was common in the ancient world. The four Roman watches were:
* Evening (ὀψέ, `{{G3796}}`): 6 PM - 9 PM
* Midnight (μεσονύκτιον, `{{G3317}}`): 9 PM - 12 AM
* Cockcrowing (ἀλεκτοροφωνία, `{{G219}}`): 12 AM - 3 AM
* Morning (πρωΐ, `{{G4404}}`): 3 AM - 6 AM
The inclusion of ἀλεκτοροφωνία alongside these other specific terms in [[Mark 13:35]] confirms its status as a recognized temporal division.
* **Prophecy and Fulfillment:** The narrative surrounding Peter's denial and the cockcrow highlights the theme of divine prophecy and its precise fulfillment, a cornerstone of biblical theology.
* **Human Frailty and Divine Foreknowledge:** The event associated with ἀλεκτοροφωνία powerfully illustrates the weakness of human resolve in stark contrast to the infallible foreknowledge of Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀλεκτοροφωνία extends beyond its literal meaning as a time marker:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Prophetic Precision:** The foretelling of the cockcrow (e.g., [[Mark 14:30]]) demonstrates Jesus' comprehensive knowledge of future events, down to seemingly minor details. This underscores the meticulous precision of divine prophecy and the unwavering sovereignty of God over all circumstances. It reveals that even the timing of a rooster's crow is within God's providential plan.
* **Catalyst for Conviction and Repentance:** For Peter, the ἀλεκτοροφωνία was not merely an auditory event; it was the divinely ordained signal that triggered profound conviction. The sound of the crowing brought Jesus' prophetic words crashing into his memory, leading to immediate and bitter repentance ([[Mark 14:72]]). This illustrates the Spirit's work in using God's fulfilled word to bring about spiritual awakening and remorse in the human heart.
* **Call to Vigilance and Readiness:** In [[Mark 13:35]], ἀλεκτοροφωνία is presented as one of the possible times for the Master's return. This serves as a perpetual theological admonition for believers to remain spiritually vigilant, watchful, and prepared for the unexpected return of Christ. The uncertainty of the exact hour demands a lifestyle of constant readiness and faithfulness.
* **Symbol of Brokenness and Potential for Restoration:** While the cockcrow marked Peter's moment of failure and brokenness, it also initiated his path to repentance. His subsequent restoration by Jesus (John 21) demonstrates God's profound grace and redemptive power, showing that even deep spiritual failure can lead to genuine repentance and renewed service.
### Summary
ἀλεκτοροφωνία (alektorophōnia, `{{G219}}`) is a Greek compound noun meaning "cock-crow," specifically denoting the third Roman night watch (12 AM - 3 AM). Its primary biblical appearance in [[Mark 13:35]] establishes it as a precise temporal marker in the context of Christ's call for vigilance. More profoundly, the event of the cockcrow is inextricably linked to Peter's denial of Jesus, serving as the dramatic and precise fulfillment of Christ's prophecy ([[Mark 14:30]]). Theologically, ἀλεκτοροφωνία underscores the meticulous accuracy of divine prophecy, acts as a powerful catalyst for conviction and repentance (as seen in Peter's remorse), and serves as an enduring reminder for believers to remain spiritually alert and prepared for the Lord's return. It encapsulates themes of divine sovereignty, human frailty, and the transformative power of God's word leading to repentance and restoration.
TRV