Bible Dictionary
Cock-crowing
Cock-crowing was a recognized period of the night, especially toward morning. Jesus referred to it when warning of His return and when foretelling Peter’s three denials.
Definition
Cock-crowing was a recognized period of the night between midnight and morning, named for the rooster’s habit of crowing, especially toward dawn. The older expression distinguished a first and second cock-crowing.
Biblical Usage
Jesus referred to cock-crowing when warning that the master might come at night and when predicting Peter’s denial. Mark mentions two cock-crowings, while the other Gospel accounts emphasize the later crowing.
Historical Background
In Jesus’ time the Jews also used the Greek and Roman division of the night into four watches of three hours. The older division by cock-crowing remained in use alongside it.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
In our Lord’s time the Jews had adopted the Greek and Roman division of the night into four watches, each consisting of three hours, the first beginning at six o’clock in the evening (Luke 12:38; Matt. 14:25; Mark 6:48). But the ancient division, known as the first and second cock-crowing, was still retained. The cock usually crows several times soon after midnight (this is the first crowing), and again at the dawn of day (and this is the second crowing). Mark mentions (14:30) the two cock-crowings. Matthew (26:34) alludes to that only which was emphatically the cock-crowing, viz, the second.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>kok'-kro-ing (alektorophonia): An indefinite hour of the night between midnight and morning (Mr 13:35), referred to by all the evangelists in their account of Peter's denial (Mt 26:34,74; Mr 14:30; Lu 22:34; Joh 13:38). It is derived from the habit of the cock to crow especially toward morning.</p><p>See COCK.</p>