ἀλέκτωρ (alektōr)
alektōr
rooster
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun alektōr refers specifically to a rooster, the male of the chicken species. In the New Testament, this word appears eleven times, primarily within the Synoptic Gospels and John’s account of Jesus’ final hours. It serves as the concrete identifier for the animal whose crowing marks the fulfillment of Jesus’ prediction that Peter would deny him three times before dawn.
Etymologically, the term derives from a root meaning "to ward off," reflecting the ancient belief that the rooster’s morning call drove away evil spirits or darkness. While other Greek words exist for birds generally, alektōr is precise and vivid, anchoring the narrative in a familiar rural reality. The sources note its use in the Septuagint as well, linking it to the Hebrew zarzir.
Its theological weight lies in its function as a temporal marker. In Matthew 26:34, Mark 14:30, and John 13:38, the rooster is not merely background noise but the instrument of memory. It signals the end of Peter’s denial and the beginning of his remorse. The word reminds readers that divine foreknowledge operates within ordinary time, using the daily routine of farm life to reveal spiritual truth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for rooster in Greek is alektōr. It appears eleven times in the New Testament. These verses focus on Peter’s denial of Jesus before dawn. The sound of the bird marks a turning point in Peter’s story. It signals the end of his bold claims and the start of his deep remorse.
For your faith, this word offers comfort. It shows that God’s plans include human failure. Jesus predicted the event with clear foreknowledge. Yet He also provided a moment for reflection. The crowing was not just a timer but an invitation to remember.
You do not need to fear your own mistakes. Peter wept bitterly, yet he remained part of the group. This word reminds us that divine grace meets us in our lowest moments. The ordinary sounds of life can carry profound spiritual weight.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] rooster6×
- a rooster3×
- rooster2×
- rooster.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀλέκτωρ6×
- ἀλέκτορα5×
- ἀλέκτωρ.1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 26:34
Jesus said to him, “Most certainly I tell you that tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”
Jesus sets the specific timeline for Peter’s denial, linking the rooster’s crow to a prophetic warning.
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Mark 14:72
The rooster crowed the second time. Peter remembered the words that Jesus said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” When he thought about that, he wept.
The second crowing triggers Peter’s memory and leads directly to his weeping, showing the word as a catalyst for repentance.
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Luke 22:61
The 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.”
This verse uniquely pairs the rooster’s crow with the Lord turning to look at Peter, emphasizing personal encounter over mere timing.
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John 13:38
Jesus 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.
Jesus contrasts Peter’s willingness to die for Him with his imminent denial, using the rooster as the boundary of that failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does alektōr mean in the Bible?
Why is the rooster mentioned so often in the Passion narratives?
Is there a difference between how Matthew and Mark describe the crowing?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 4 books)
Matthew 3 verses
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…