ἀλέκτωρ
alektōr
rooster
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἀλέκτωρ (alektōr) is translated as "rooster." Its primary definition is a male chicken, specifically a rooster known for its early morning crowing. It occurs 12 times in the Bible, highlighting its significance in ancient Greek culture and everyday life. The use of ἀλέκτωρ emphasizes its distinctive characteristics, such as the loud and repetitive crowing sound, which was a common phenomenon in ancient societies. The word likely referred to not only the animal itself but also the sound it made, which became a metaphor for alarm and warning in various contexts. While specific information about the usage of ἀλέκτωρ may be limited due to the narrow scope of this analysis, its presence in the Bible underscores its importance in early Christian communities. Its usage can be seen in contexts where attention to sound or wakefulness is needed.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
12 total occurrences across the text
Jesus said to him, “Most certainly I tell you that tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”
Matthew 26:74Then he began to curse and to swear, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately the rooster crowed.
Matthew 26:75Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Then he went out and wept bitterly.
Mark 14:30Jesus said to him, “Most certainly I tell you, that you today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”
Mark 14:68But he denied it, saying, “I neither know, nor understand what you are saying.” He went out on the porch, and the rooster crowed.
Mark 14:72The rooster crowed the second time. Peter remembered the word, how that Jesus said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” When he thought about that, he wept.
Mark 14:72The rooster crowed the second time. Peter remembered the word, how that Jesus said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” When he thought about that, he wept.
Luke 22:34He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will by no means crow today until you deny that you know me three times.”
Luke 22:60But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.
Luke 22:61The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the Lord’s word, how he said to him, “Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times.”
John 13:38Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for me? Most certainly I tell you, the rooster won’t crow until you have denied me three times.
John 18:27Peter therefore denied it again, and immediately the rooster crowed.