### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **aléktōr**, represented by `{{G220}}`, refers to **a cock or male fowl**. It appears **12 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. Its use is highly specific, tied exclusively to the narrative of Peter's denial of Jesus, where it serves as a prophetic sign.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G220}}` is central to one of the most poignant moments in the Gospels. Jesus predicts that on the night of His arrest, Peter will deny Him three times before the **cock** crows ([[Matthew 26:34]]; [[Luke 22:34]]). The Gospel of Mark is more specific, noting the prediction that "before the **cock** crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice" [[Mark 14:30]]. The fulfillment of this prophecy is recorded in all four Gospels, where immediately after Peter's third denial, the **cock** crew ([[Matthew 26:74]]; [[John 18:27]]). This sound serves as the immediate trigger for Peter's memory and profound remorse ([[Matthew 26:75]]; [[Luke 22:61]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are crucial to understanding the context in which `{{G220}}` appears:
* `{{G5455}}` **phōnéō** (to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation:--call (for), crow, cry): This is the specific action associated with the **aléktōr**. The prophecy is not just about the bird, but about the moment it would **crow** [[Matthew 26:34]].
* `{{G533}}` **aparnéomai** (to deny utterly, i.e. disown, abstain:--deny): This is the action Jesus predicted Peter would take. He foretold that Peter would **deny** him three times before the cock crowed [[Luke 22:34]].
* `{{G720}}` **arnéomai** (to contradict, i.e. disavow, reject, abnegate:--deny, refuse): This word describes Peter's actual denial. After he **denied** Jesus for the third time, the cock immediately crew [[John 18:27]].
* `{{G1492}}` **eídō** (properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know): This is at the heart of Peter's denial. He swore, "I **know** not the man," just before the cock crew [[Matthew 26:74]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G220}}` is tied directly to the events it punctuates.
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** The crowing of the cock is the undeniable, audible proof of Christ's foreknowledge. The sound occurs immediately after the third denial, prompting Peter to remember Jesus's specific words [[Matthew 26:75]].
* **Human Frailty:** The event starkly illustrates the weakness of even the most zealous disciple. Peter, who had vehemently declared he would never disown Jesus [[Mark 14:31]], fails exactly as predicted, with the crow of the `{{G220}}` marking his lowest point.
* **A Call to Remembrance:** For Peter, the sound of the cock was not just a sign of failure but a catalyst for repentance. It was only after the cock crew that he "remembered the word of the Lord" and went out and "wept bitterly" ([[Luke 22:61]]; [[Matthew 26:75]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G220}}` is far more than a simple noun. Its biblical appearances are concentrated within a single, critical event to serve a powerful narrative and theological purpose. As a prophetic marker, it confirms the divine authority of Jesus, while simultaneously highlighting a moment of profound human weakness and the beginning of repentance for one of his closest followers.
TRV