Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Significance:Cockcrow refers to the time of early morning when roosters begin to crow, typically just before dawn. In biblical times, this natural occurrence was used as a time marker, especially in the context of the night watches. The term "cockcrow" holds significant spiritual and symbolic meaning within the Christian tradition, particularly in relation to the events surrounding the Passion of Jesus Christ. Biblical References: The most notable reference to cockcrow in the Bible is found in the accounts of Peter's denial of Jesus. Jesus foretold that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed. This prophecy is recorded in all four Gospels, highlighting its importance in the narrative of Christ's Passion. · Matthew 26:34 : "Truly I tell you," Jesus declared, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." · Mark 14:30 : "Truly I tell you," Jesus replied, "this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times." · Luke 22:34 : But Jesus replied, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me." · John 13:38 : Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." Symbolism and Interpretation: The crowing of the rooster serves as a poignant reminder of human frailty and the fulfillment of Jesus' prophetic words. It symbolizes the moment of realization and repentance for Peter, who, upon hearing the rooster, remembered Jesus' words and wept bitterly (Matthew 26:75). This event underscores themes of weakness, repentance, and the need for divine grace. In a broader sense, cockcrow can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual awakening and vigilance. Just as the rooster heralds the dawn, believers are called to be watchful and prepared for the coming of the Lord. The early morning crowing serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in faith and to be alert to the temptations and trials that may lead one away from Christ. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, the crowing of roosters was a familiar sound marking the transition from night to day. The Romans divided the night into four watches, with the third watch ending at cockcrow. This time was significant for those keeping watch, as it signaled the approach of morning and the end of their vigil. The use of cockcrow as a time marker in the Gospels reflects the daily life and practices of the period, providing a vivid backdrop for the events of Jesus' arrest and Peter's denial. The rooster's crowing, a common and expected sound, becomes a divine instrument in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Theological Implications: The account of Peter's denial and the subsequent crowing of the rooster highlights the tension between human weakness and divine sovereignty. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for humility and reliance on God's strength. Peter's restoration by Jesus after the resurrection (John 21:15-19) further illustrates the themes of forgiveness and redemption, offering hope to all believers who falter in their faith. In Christian teaching, the account of cockcrow encourages believers to examine their own lives, to recognize their shortcomings, and to seek God's mercy and strength to overcome them. It calls for a vigilant and watchful spirit, ever ready to respond to the call of Christ and to stand firm in the face of trials. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Alt. of Cockcrowing.Greek 219. alektorophonia -- the crowing of a rooster ... a rooster. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: alektorophonia Phonetic Spelling: (al-ek-tor-of-o-nee'-ah) Short Definition: cockcrow Definition: the ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/219.htm - 6k Library Of the Proof of their Freedom from any Discrepancies in the ... Dionysius to Basilides, My Beloved Son, and My Brother... The Charge of the Watchers in the Temple How Fursa Built a Monastery among the East Angles, and of his ... The Arabic Gospel of the Infancy of the Saviour (Nt Apocrypha) Of the Life and Death of the Abbess Hilda. [614-680 AD ] Of the Absence of all Discrepancies in the Narratives Constructed ... A Song of Deliverance The Two Awakings 'Other Sheep' Thesaurus Cockcrow (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Alt. of Cockcrowing. Multi-Version Concordance Cockcrow (1 Occurrence). Mark 13:35 Watch ye therefore ... /c/cockcrow.htm - 6k Cock-crow (1 Occurrence) Cockatrices (1 Occurrence) Cock (12 Occurrences) Resources Cockcrow: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Cockcrow (1 Occurrence)Mark 13:35 Subtopics Related Terms |
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