G219
ἀλεκτοροφωνία
cock-crow, i.e. the third night-watch
Transliteration
alektorophōníaPronunciation
(al-ek-tor-of-o-nee'-ah)Everything you need to know.
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cock-crow, i.e. the third night-watch
ἀλεκτοροφωνία(alektorophōnía)
Strong’s Definition
cock-crow, i.e. the third night-watch
from G220 (ἀλέκτωρ) and G5456 (φωνή);
“Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:”
No verses found containing this word study ID.
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
ἀλεκτοροφωνία Morphology:
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
ἀλεκτοροφωνία Translation Options:
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.
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.
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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.
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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.