Pronunciation Guide: ah-lek-tor-o-fo-NEE-ah

Basic Definition

Strong’s G219: ἀλεκτοροφωνία refers to the “cock-crowing” time, specifically the third watch of the night in the Roman system of timekeeping, occurring between midnight and 3:00 AM. This term combines the Greek words for rooster (ἀλέκτωρ) and sound/voice (φωνή) to create a precise temporal marker used in ancient timekeeping.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Compound word: ἀλέκτωρ (rooster) + φωνή (sound/voice)
• Used primarily in narrative contexts
• Found in Koine Greek literature discussing time periods
• Appears in Roman military and civilian timekeeping references

ἀλεκτοροφωνία Morphology:

• ἀλεκτοροφωνία (nominative singular) – the cock-crowing time
• ἀλεκτοροφωνίας (genitive singular) – of the cock-crowing time
• ἀλεκτοροφωνίᾳ (dative singular) – at/during the cock-crowing time

Origin & History

The term ἀλεκτοροφωνία emerged during the Hellenistic period as Greek culture adapted to Roman systems of timekeeping. In classical Greek literature, Aristophanes mentions the rooster’s crow as a natural timekeeper in his work “The Birds,” though he doesn’t use this specific compound term. The formalization of this term appears to coincide with the Roman military’s need for precise night watch periods.

The Romans divided the night into four watches, and ἀλεκτοροφωνία became the technical term for the third watch, reflecting the reliable nature of roosters beginning their pre-dawn crowing during this time period. This natural phenomenon became so reliable that it was incorporated into formal timekeeping systems.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The third watch of the night in Roman timekeeping
• The time period of rooster crowing
• A natural marker of approaching dawn

ἀλεκτοροφωνία Translation Options:

• “The cock-crowing” – Most literal translation, preserving the agricultural connection
• “The third watch” – Functional equivalent focusing on military/timekeeping usage
• “Before dawn” – Dynamic equivalent capturing the temporal meaning
• “Time of rooster’s crow” – Explanatory translation combining literal and functional meanings

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀλεκτοροφωνία appears only once, in Mark 13:35, where the Messiah lists the four watches of the night: “evening,” “midnight,” “cock-crowing,” and “morning.” This usage occurs in a crucial passage about spiritual watchfulness and readiness for the Master’s return. The term’s singular appearance emphasizes its technical precision in describing this specific night watch.

This timing becomes particularly poignant when connected to Peter’s denial of Jesus, where the rooster’s crow serves as both a temporal marker and a profound spiritual alarm clock. Though the compound word ἀλεκτοροφωνία isn’t used in the denial narratives, the related word ἀλέκτωρ (rooster) appears, connecting these passages thematically.

• “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows [ἀλεκτοροφωνία], or at dawn.” Mark 13:35

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the rooster held a special place as God’s appointed timekeeper. The Talmud mentions that the sages could identify three distinct rooster crows, each marking different phases of the night. This natural timekeeping system was so reliable that it was used to determine the proper times for various religious obligations.

The Roman military’s adoption of the rooster’s crow as a formal watch period demonstrates how natural and human-made systems of timekeeping merged in the ancient world. Soldiers on watch duty would use this reliable natural phenomenon to coordinate their guard changes, making ἀλεκτοροφωνία both a military and agricultural term.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀλεκτοροφωνία in Mark 13:35 carries deep theological implications. By including this specific time marker in His parable about watchfulness, Jesus connects natural time-keeping with spiritual alertness. The rooster’s crow, which reliably announces the approaching dawn, becomes a metaphor for spiritual awakening and readiness for His return.

This timing also connects powerfully to Peter’s denial, where the rooster’s crow serves as both conviction and restoration. Just as the ἀλεκτοροφωνία marked a specific watch in the night, it also marked a turning point in Peter’s spiritual journey, demonstrating how God uses even natural phenomena to accomplish His purposes in our lives.

Personal Application

The concept of ἀλεκτοροφωνία reminds us that God has established both natural and spiritual rhythms in our lives. Just as the rooster’s crow reliably marked time for ancient believers, we too should establish regular periods of spiritual watchfulness and prayer. This word challenges us to consider: Are we spiritually alert? Are we ready for our Master’s return at any watch of the night?

Furthermore, just as Peter experienced the rooster’s crow as a wake-up call to repentance, we too should remain sensitive to God’s timing and calls to spiritual awakening in our lives, whether they come through natural or supernatural means.

Related Words

• ἀλέκτωρ (alektōr) – rooster/cock; the bird itself, emphasizing its role in timekeeping See G220
• φωνή (phōnē) – voice, sound; the basic word for any vocal expression See G5456
• ἀγρυπνέω (agrypneō) – to be watchful, stay awake; often used in context of spiritual vigilance See G69
• γρηγορέω (grēgoreō) – to watch, be vigilant; commonly used in calls to spiritual watchfulness See G1127

Did you Know?

• The rooster’s crow was so reliable in ancient times that legal contracts sometimes specified “at the rooster’s crow” as a precise time marker for obligations to be fulfilled.
• In medieval monasteries, the role of waking brothers for prayer during the ἀλεκτοροφωνία period was considered a crucial responsibility, often assigned to experienced monks who could accurately discern the watches of the night.
• Modern scientific studies have confirmed that roosters don’t just react to dawn light – they have an internal biological clock that allows them to anticipate dawn, explaining why the ἀλεκτοροφωνία was such a reliable timekeeper in the ancient world.

Remember This

ἀλεκτοροφωνία stands as a divine reminder that God has embedded both natural and spiritual alarms in His creation to keep us watchful and ready for His purposes.