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.
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).
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.
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).
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