### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἀλέκτωρ (aléktōr, `{{G220}}`) refers literally to a "cock" or "male fowl," specifically a rooster. Its etymological root is often linked to a verb meaning "to ward off," which could subtly allude to the rooster's protective nature over its flock or its role in "warding off" the darkness with its morning crow. In the New Testament, its semantic range is narrow and exclusively literal, referring to the bird itself. It does not carry any symbolic or metaphorical meaning beyond its direct function in the narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀλέκτωρ appears exclusively in the Gospel accounts detailing Peter's denial of Jesus. Its significance is not in the creature itself, but in its crowing, which serves as the precise, divinely foretold sign marking the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy concerning Peter's denial.
* In [[Matthew 26:34]], [[Matthew 26:74]], and [[Matthew 26:75]], Jesus predicts Peter's denial before the cock crows, and the subsequent crowing serves as the immediate trigger for Peter's remembrance and repentance.
* [[Mark 14:30]], [[Mark 14:68]], and [[Mark 14:72]] similarly record the prophecy and its fulfillment, with Mark notably specifying that the cock crows "twice," adding a layer of detail to the precision of the prophecy's fulfillment.
* [[Luke 22:34]], [[Luke 22:60]], and [[Luke 22:61]] present the same sequence, with Luke emphasizing Jesus' direct look at Peter after the crowing, intensifying Peter's realization.
* [[John 13:38]] and [[John 18:27]] also include the prophecy and its fulfillment, reinforcing the universal testimony of the Gospels regarding this pivotal event.
In each instance, the crowing of the ἀλέκτωρ is not a mere incidental detail but a crucial narrative device that marks the climax of Peter's failure and the beginning of his profound remorse. It functions as a divinely appointed alarm clock, piercing the darkness of Peter's denial with the light of truth and the weight of Jesus' words.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary concept related to ἀλέκτωρ in the New Testament is the theme of **prophecy and fulfillment**. The crowing of the cock acts as the undeniable sign that Jesus' words are true and that events are unfolding according to divine foreknowledge. It is also inextricably linked to **human frailty and denial**, specifically Peter's boastful claim of loyalty followed by his abject failure. The "cockcrow" was also a recognized **time marker** in the ancient world, typically signaling the third watch of the night, around 3 AM, adding to the precision of Jesus' prophecy. While the cock often symbolizes vigilance or a new day, in these biblical contexts, its symbolism is subsumed by its literal function as a catalyst for Peter's remembrance and repentance.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of ἀλέκτωρ carry profound theological weight.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge:** The precise fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy, down to the crowing of a bird at a specific moment, powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty and foreknowledge over all events, even seemingly mundane ones. It underscores that Jesus' words are not mere predictions but declarations of divine certainty.
2. **Human Frailty and the Need for Grace:** The ἀλέκτωρ serves as a stark reminder of human weakness and the ease with which even the most devoted disciples can fall prey to fear and deny their Lord. Peter's dramatic failure, punctuated by the cock's crow, highlights the reality of sin and the profound need for divine grace for restoration.
3. **The Power and Authority of Jesus' Word:** For Peter, the sound of the ἀλέκτωρ was not just a noise but a piercing echo of Jesus' very words, bringing him face-to-face with the truth of his actions and the undeniable authority of Christ's prophecy. It was a moment of profound spiritual awakening.
4. **A Catalyst for Repentance:** While marking a moment of failure, the crowing of the ἀλέκτωρ ultimately serves as a catalyst for Peter's repentance. It moves him from denial to bitter weeping, setting the stage for his eventual restoration and renewed commission by Christ.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀλέκτωρ (aléktōr, `{{G220}}`) refers to a "cock" or "male fowl," and its New Testament usage is strictly literal. It appears exclusively in the Gospel accounts of Peter's denial, where its crowing serves as the precise, divinely appointed sign fulfilling Jesus' prophecy. This seemingly simple detail carries immense theological significance, powerfully demonstrating God's sovereignty and foreknowledge, highlighting human frailty and the profound need for grace, and underscoring the undeniable authority of Jesus' words. The sound of the ἀλέκτωρ was not merely a time marker but a pivotal moment of truth for Peter, initiating his journey from denial to deep repentance and eventual restoration.
TRV