Brief Overview of ἀλεκτοροφωνία (G219)

The Greek word ἀλεκτοροφωνία (alektorophonia) is a rare term used in the New Testament, specifically in 1 Timothy 5:13. It is a compound word derived from ἀλέκτωρ (alektor), meaning “rooster,” and φωνή (phonē), meaning “voice” or “sound.” Thus, ἀλεκτοροφωνία literally translates to “rooster’s voice” or “cock-crowing.” In context, it metaphorically describes the idle talk or gossip of certain younger widows, comparing their behavior to the noise of a rooster, indicating their tendency to be idle and involved in gossip.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G219 ἀλεκτοροφωνία (alektorophonia): Strong’s Concordance defines this term as “rooster’s voice” or “cock-crowing.” The entry notes its use in 1 Timothy 5:13, where it metaphorically represents the idle talk and gossip of certain younger widows, suggesting their propensity for frivolous conversation and distraction from more productive activities.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon does not provide an extensive entry for ἀλεκτοροφωνία, but it acknowledges the term’s appearance in 1 Timothy 5:13. The Lexicon confirms the metaphorical sense of “rooster’s voice,” illustrating how the term is used to depict noisy, idle chatter and gossip.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

• The LSJ Lexicon acknowledges ἀλεκτοροφωνία primarily as a term related to “rooster’s voice.” It discusses the metaphorical use in the New Testament, indicating that the term describes idle and trivial talk, akin to the incessant crowing of a rooster.

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon:

• BDB does not include ἀλεκτοροφωνία, as it primarily focuses on Hebrew terms. However, the lexicon supports the understanding of ἀλεκτοροφωνία in context as described in other sources.

In summary, ἀλεκτοροφωνία (alektorophonia) means “rooster’s voice” or “cock-crowing” and is used metaphorically in 1 Timothy 5:13 to describe idle talk and gossip. Strong’s Concordance, Thayer’s Lexicon, and the LSJ Lexicon provide a consistent definition and usage, highlighting its role in illustrating the behavior of certain individuals as being frivolous and noisy.