Jesus’ Prophecy About Peter’s Denial

 Did Jesus' prediction about Peter's denial fail since the cock crowed once before the three denials were complete?

Jesus’ Prophecy About Peter’s Denial

Overview of the Apparent Discrepancy

Jesus’ words recorded in John and Mark regarding Peter’s denial might seem inconsistent at first glance. John 13:38 clearly states: “Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Meanwhile, Mark 14:30 reads: “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”

In Mark’s account, a second crowing is highlighted (see Mark 14:72), leading some to conclude that the earlier mention of a single crowing in John’s Gospel is contradicted by Mark. The question arises mainly because of the detail in Mark 14:72, that the rooster crowed once before the three denials were complete (verse 68 in some manuscripts), and then crowed a second time after Peter had denied Jesus the third time.

Different Levels of Narrative Detail

The four Gospels are complementary narratives of Jesus’ life and ministry, each with its own focus. When an event is recorded differently in two Gospels, it often means one account is more precise or detailed about timing or specifics, while the other references the overall occurrence:

• John’s Approach: John commonly offers thematic or explanatory dialogues between Jesus and His disciples. His emphasis in the prophecy (“before the rooster crows”) is on the certainty of Peter’s three-fold denial prior to the recognized moment of the rooster’s crow.

• Mark’s Approach: Mark, known for candid detail, records the timing of a first and second crowing. Mark 14:30 mentions the rooster crowing “twice,” then Mark 14:72 explicitly notes “the rooster crowed a second time,” giving a precise outline of the unfolding events.

Both focus on the same prophecy: Peter will have denied Jesus three times before the rooster’s crowing definitively confirms the prophecy.

Understanding the Timing of Rooster Crowing

Roosters may crow more than once at night or early morning. In many ancient cultures, the “cockcrow” was recognized as the pre-dawn hour or even used as a reference point during the night watches. Mark’s more detailed narrative could be pinpointing two audible crowings:

1. A first crowing that Peter hears but does not connect immediately to Jesus’ words.

2. A final crowing that crystallizes Peter’s memory and triggers the realization that he has fulfilled Jesus’ prediction (Mark 14:72).

John’s account focuses simply on “the crowing” as a singular event (the final result) without detailing intermediate crowing. This variation does not negate Jesus’ prophecy; it highlights two reporters (John and Mark) describing the same prediction with differing emphasis.

Textual Consistency in the Gospels

Despite the seeming difference, these passages are historically consistent. In Mark’s Gospel, we see exactly how Peter’s denials play out between two distinct crowings. John’s Gospel does not deny multiple crowings; it simply condenses the prophecy by mentioning the ultimate rooster crowing. These variations reflect independent eyewitness perspectives rather than any internal contradiction.

• Mark 14:68 in some manuscripts includes an earlier rooster crowing after the first denial (though some manuscripts do not contain this sentence). This potential addition underscores that Mark was meticulous, noting intermediate details.

• John 13:38 focuses on Jesus’ overall prediction that by the time the familiar sound of the rooster’s crow would ring definitively, Peter’s denial would be a done fact.

Such details, far from discrediting the Gospels, demonstrate genuine eyewitness testimony traits. Two sources recount the core truth: Peter denied Jesus three times before the recognized crowing ended the ordeal.

Harmonizing the Accounts

1. Jesus’ Heartfelt Warning: Both John and Mark record that Peter is warned about a thrice-over denial that would occur within hours.

2. Progressive Denials: In both Gospels, Peter’s denial escalates from confusion or evasiveness to outright, vehement denial.

3. Rooster Crow(ings): Mark gives the sequence of a first crow (not fully registered by Peter) and the final crow, after which Peter’s conscience is pricked. John consolidates these crowings into a single reference, highlighting the culmination of Peter’s betrayal.

4. Fulfillment of the Prophecy: Peter’s emotional response in Mark 14:72 (“And he broke down and wept”) parallels the emphasis in John 18:27, revealing that on hearing the rooster crow, Peter remembers Jesus’ words and is overcome by remorse.

By reading both accounts together, it is clear that Jesus’ words are not contradicted; rather, two writers identify the warning in slightly different levels of specificity.

Historical and Cultural Support

From a historical viewpoint, roosters do crow repeatedly. People in first-century Judea were accustomed to hearing roosters at various times in the early morning. Multiple Jewish and Roman sources referenced “cock crow” as a recognized nightly milestone. This aligns with Mark’s version, which is exceptionally precise, and further shows no logical conflict with John’s more streamlined mention.

Additionally, the reliability of these Gospel narratives is supported by the fact that early Christian scribes preserved both accounts unaltered. Ancient manuscripts (including early fragments and later codices) deliver both forms of this event with remarkable consistency, demonstrating that Christians did not erase or hide this so-called “difficulty.” Instead, they preserved the distinct eyewitness perspectives, reflecting confidence that Scripture harmonizes.

Conclusion

Jesus’ prophecy regarding Peter’s denial is consistent across the Gospels once we recognize the different scopes of detail preserved by John and Mark. John compresses Jesus’ prophecy into one moment of confirmation, while Mark reports two crowings that bracket Peter’s denials. Neither account invalidates the other. Rather, each Gospel writer offers a complementary lens, with Mark emphasizing step-by-step completion of Jesus’ words and John highlighting the tragic realization after the rooster crows.

The prophecy did not fail; it was precisely fulfilled, demonstrating yet again the accuracy of the biblical record and the meticulousness of Christ’s prediction. Peter’s bitter weeping underscores the dramatic moment of realization-affirming that all took place exactly as Jesus had said.

What is the significance of the rooster crowing in regards to Peter denying Jesus three times?

 What is the significance of the rooster crowing in regards to Peter denying Jesus three times? 

Matthew 26:34, Luke 22:34, and John 13:38 all record Jesus telling Peter, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Mark words it differently, which has led to some confusion. Mark 14:30 says, “And Jesus said to him, ‘Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times’” (emphasis added). Then, when the first servant girl questioned Peter about his relationship to Jesus, “he denied it, saying, ‘I neither know nor understand what you mean.’ And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed” (Mark 14:68). Later, after Peter’s third denial, “immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ And he broke down and wept” (verse 72). Did the rooster crow once or twice, and what is the significance of that crowing?

Since we know that all Scripture is God-breathed and therefore accurate (2 Timothy 3:16), we can rest assured that there are always explanations for seeming inconsistencies. In biblical days, roosters were common within the towns and cities. The first crowing often occurred around midnight. The second crowing could be expected before daybreak. Jesus’ prediction about Peter’s denials meant that Peter would have opportunities all night long to repeat the validating claim he made when he told Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). However, despite three opportunities, the overconfident Peter denied His Lord every time. When daylight came, Jesus’ mock trial was over, and Peter lost his opportunities to defend Jesus as he had claimed he would do (Mark 14:29).

Jesus did not say that Peter would deny Him before any rooster’s crow. So the report of a first crowing does not negate the validity of Jesus’ words. In those days, when someone made the comment “before the rooster crows,” it would have been commonly understood to mean the crowing at daybreak. But morning was not the only time roosters crowed. As anyone who has lived on a farm can attest, roosters crow whenever they feel like it. A rooster can crow when he senses danger, when another rooster threatens his flock, or simply because he got his days and nights mixed up. So it is perfectly understandable that Jesus would have been precise in prophesying to Peter that a rooster would actually crow twice during the time Peter was denying Him.

The first crowing would not have been noticed by Peter at that moment, since people were used to hearing roosters at random times. It is similar to how people living near train tracks get used to hearing the noise of trains and stop noticing the sound. But when the morning rooster crowed, Peter was struck with the accuracy of Jesus’ words, and he went out and wept bitterly.

It is also noteworthy that Mark was a close associate of Peter’s (1 Peter 5:13) and would have obtained many details for his Gospel from Peter himself. After the fact, Peter would have considered the first crowing more significant than he did at the time. Jesus’ prophetic words must have played over and over in his head as he then recalled the first crowing and then the second. It seems likely that, in his retelling of that night to Mark, Peter would have made mention of both crowings. Mark does not in any way contradict the other accounts, which only mention the second crowing. The second crowing was the most important one, since it marked the end of Peter’s testing.

Because of the prominence of the story of Peter and the rooster, recorded in all four Gospels, the rooster, or cock, has at times been used as a Christian symbol. Some churches even place a rooster atop their steeples. Used as a symbol, the rooster represents the weakness of man and the grace of Christ in forgiving sinners. Peter three times denied his Lord and Savior, but he was forgiven, restored, and sent out to live for the glory of God (John 21:15–19). The rooster reminds us that Christ extends hope to sinners everywhere.

The rooster, used as a Christian symbol, can also represent watchfulness. Before His arrest, Jesus prayed in the garden and asked His disciples to do the same. But He found them sleeping, and He said to Peter, “Are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Mark 14:37–38). Later that night, Peter did indeed fall into temptation, and the rooster’s crow served as his spiritual wake-up call. The rooster can still be a reminder today that we must watch and pray and live as children of light: “You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness” (1 Thessalonians 5:5).

The rooster could also be seen as proclaiming the start of a new day. In Christ, all things become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). A new day of forgiveness and grace has dawned, and believers, saved by grace, proclaim the good news to a world in need of light.

Jesus is never impressed with our fleshly bravado such as Peter expressed in Matthew 26:35. Jesus knows our hearts better than we do (Matthew 9:4; Luke 9:47). But, even though He knows the ways we will fail Him, our Lord does not stop loving us or using us to further His message. Those rooster crowings must have haunted Peter for many years and may have helped him stay humble, watchful, and committed to his calling. Our past failures can be battle scars in our lives as well, propelling us toward greater devotion and stricter loyalty to Jesus when we recall how much we have been forgiven (see Luke 7:47).

Did the Cock Crow Once or Twice After Peter Denied Christ?

•While such questions have stumped few students, they have baffled some of the most credentialed scholars of our era — the famed author Dr. Bart Ehrman among them, expresses his bewilderment: “In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus tells Peter that he will deny him three times ‘before the cock crows twice.’ In Matthew’s Gospel he tells him that it will be ‘before the cock crows.’ Well, which is it—before the cock crows once or twice?’”

First, it should be noted that the problem here is fundamentalism—fundamentalism from the left, but fundamentalism nonetheless. In recounting past events or telling stories, we obviously don’t all highlight the same details. In the case at hand, Mark simply provided a bit more detail than did Matthew.

Furthermore, as his more attentive readers have likely discovered, Professor Ehrman is obsessing over what in reality is a non-issue. Careful observation reveals that Matthew did not comment how many times the rooster crowed. Matthew simply told us that the rooster crowed.

Finally, whether he means to or not, Ehrman puts the biblical authors in a no-win situation. If Matthew and Mark fail to provide identical testimonies, he supposes the accounts to be contradictory. Conversely, if the gospel writers provide identical testimonies, he uncharitably charges them with collusion.

In sharp contrast to the methodology of Ehrmanites, erudite scholarship seeks a reliable core set of facts in order to validate historical accounts. Far from seeking word-for-word uniformity, they expect the biblical authors to provide complementary perspectives. Divine inspiration never supposes biblical authors to be automatons devoid of individual personality or perspective but rather people who “spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).

Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:

‘I will strike the Shepherd,

And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”

Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”

Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”

Matthew 26:31–34

Welcome to Happy Backyard Farming

What Time Do Roosters Crow (& Why They Do It!)

I’m sure we’re all familiar with a rooster crowing in the morning. But it’s not the only time a rooster will let out its loud, somewhat obnoxious cry.

For those that own roosters, you may have noticed they seem to have some set times throughout the day where they will crow, almost routinely. 

But, once you learn these routined times, it’s certainly strange the hear them crow at other, seemingly random times throughout the day

So, if you’ve heard a rooster crow at an unexpected time or if you’re simply curious, here’s why roosters crow in the first place, what times they normally crow, and what it means if they crow and night or other times throughout the day.

Why Do Roosters Crow?

If you’ve ever been woken up by a rooster, perhaps earlier than you would have liked, then chances are you’ve got that distinct screaming noise imprinted in your brain: a rooster’s crow.

But, as you cover your ears with your pillows and try to block out the sound, have you ever thought to yourself: why do roosters crow anyway?

Well, as it turns out, it’s not just to annoy their owners!

In fact, roosters crow for more than a few reasons, including:

¶ Announcing the break of dawn. Typically the lead rooster of a flock will announce the beginning of the day, followed by responses of the roosters lower in the hierarchy.

¶ As a celebration. Its well-known roosters will actually crow almost as a celebration. Normally this follows successful courtship, but it can also follow the success of defending its flock or other reason.

¶ As a territorial marker. Roosters are rather competitive creatures. By nature, they are quite territorial and protective of their flock and home. Roosters, typically the lead rooster, will often give a “cock-a-doodle-do” as an announcement to other roosters in the flock, or to others that they think may be in the area.

However, it’s important to note that roosters will also crow in response to a range of seemingly random stimuli, from the sight of a bird in the sky to the sound of a truck driving past.

It’s also known that some breeds of roosters crow quieter or less often than others too!

To Announce The New Day

Roosters aren’t the only birds to sing in the morning. The problem is they’re simply tone-deaf!

Originally it was assumed that roosters would crow in the morning as a response to the change in light. While not entirely false, a scientifically conducted experiment determined it’s actually controlled by a rooster’s internal biological clock, the circadian rhythm. 

This internal clock is guided by stimuli such as light, but their crowing isn’t simply a response to light.

This was suggested in the study, and it was concluded that roosters actually crow in ANTICIPATION of the light, in order to wake their flock up, ready for the day (amongst other reasons).

As A Celebration Or To Communicate

On some occasions, roosters will crow routinely, like in the morning.  However, there are other occasions where a crow can be used as an expression of celebration.

This type of crowing is most often witnessed after a successful courtship, but it can really follow any perceived success from the rooster’s point of view.

At other times a roosters crow can simply be to communicate a message to their flock. This can be to communicate apparent danger or simply as means to exert their status over their flock.

Territorial And Control

Roosters are driven by social conquest and are territorial by nature. It’s in their nature to create and maintain a social hierarchy known as the pecking order.

In the absence of a rooster, the lead hen will often assume the position of top chicken. On the flip side, if there are multiple roosters in the flock, there will still only be one top-chicken, normally followed by the lower-ranking roosters.

Top-roosters are normally the first to crow in the morning and those who crow most often during the day. It’s a way of demonstrating their power and maintaining social order within the flock.

Interestingly, one study found that when the most dominant rooster was physically removed from the flock, the next in line would assume the position and begin the crow in the morning.

This suggests those roosters who aren’t top-ranking will actually suppress their drive from their circadian clocks, and for the sake of the pecking order, allow the top rooster to start the crowing first.

What Time Do Roosters Crow?

Due to the common anecdote of a rooster crowing early in the morning as a wake-up call, some believe this is the only time a rooster crows.

But in fact, there are several times throughout the day when roosters are more likely to crow. Some of these times may seem more random than others, as roosters can crow as a response to many different circumstances.

Nonetheless, roosters will routinely crow just before first light, reactively throughout the day for various reasons, and commonly at dusk.

It’s because of this constant noise that it’s often illegal to raise roosters in many residential areas, violating noise ordinances. 

Roosters Crowing In The Morning

Depending on where you are living, and whether or not it’s daylight savings, roosters will generally crow in the morning between about 4:30 am – 6:00 am.

The lead roosters will let off a loud and thundering crow, alerting their flock that it’s time to start a new day. This initial crow may be followed by other roosters’ crows, or the lead rooster may decide to let off another series of crows shortly after.

In terms of exact timing in the morning, it can differ depending on the external stimuli that influence the biological clock of a rooster.

However, it’s said that these clocks work at intervals of 23.8 hours on average, so it’s not uncommon for a rooster to crow slightly earlier and earlier in the morning until something resets it.

Roosters Crowing At Dusk

As roosters are normally brilliant protectors of their flock, it’s not uncommon for a rooster to give a cock-a-doodle-do crow as the sun is setting. This can be between 5:30-7:00 pm and is normally a signal to their flock to finish up for the day.

Roosters may even crow at dusk as a territorial behavior, warning any intruders close by that this territory is theirs.

Is It Normal For Roosters To Crow All Throughout The Day?

Although it’s known that roosters have morning routine crows, guided by their biological clock, it’s normal for roosters to crow at all other times through the day too.

It’s possible for a rooster to crow at any time throughout the day and night, as a simple reaction or response to something that makes them feel like crowing. 

The normal suspects are loud noises, the appearance of a predator or unknown animal, or in celebration of courtship or other activity.

In addition, crowing is their way of communicating with other flock members and helps shape the social hierarchy. 

So don’t be alarmed if your roosters are crowing at random times throughout the day — it’s completely normal!

Do Roosters Crow Every Morning?

Typically yes. Given that a rooster’s crowing is largely determined by their internal clock or circadian rhythm, roosters will routinely crow just before the break of day.

This constant routine of crowing in the morning is guided by light, but is not determined by it. This is evidenced as some roosters will actually routinely crow in anticipation of the light, not by the light itself.

Therefore, it’s almost impossible to stop a rooster from crowing in the morning, every morning. They are just far too determined by their nature!

Should Roosters Crow At Night (Midnight, 2 am, 3 am)

Although it’s not common, it is possible for roosters to crow at any time of night. 

This is normally in response to a predator, artificial light, or something else going on in the coop!

If you’ve found that one of your roosters is constantly crowing at the same time every night, whether it’s midnight, 2 am, or 3 am, it’s best to do some investigations.

Something is causing your rooster to feel the need to crow.

If you’ve got artificial lights around your chicken coop, this could be having a negative effect on your rooster’s internal clock, causing them to crow much earlier than expected.

Otherwise, it could even be a motion-sensor light going off in response to a nearby animal moving past it.

It could even be that the coop is being visited by a potential predator at night, and the crowing is a warning to the predator and to your flock!

It’s not common nor is it normal for roosters to routinely crow throughout the night, and it’s almost always a response to something.

Wrap Up

Roosters can crow for a whole range of reasons at any time during the day or night.

A rooster’s biological clock, the circadian rhythm, tells the rooster to crow in the morning, at or just before first light. This is the duty of the lead rooster, to announce the new day to their flock, and to maintain the pecking order.

However, roosters will also crow throughout the day for a variety of reasons, including communicating with their flock, celebrating, or in response to a predator.

It’s much less likely a rooster will crow at night, but if they are crowing at midnight or in the early hours of the morning it’s likely it’s as a response to something, rather than their biological clock telling them to do so.

Happy backyard farming.

What Time Do Roosters Crow (& Why They Do It!)

I’m sure we’re all familiar with a rooster crowing in the morning. But it’s not the only time a rooster will let out its loud, somewhat obnoxious cry.

For those that own roosters, you may have noticed they seem to have some set times throughout the day where they will crow, almost routinely. 

But, once you learn these routined times, it’s certainly strange the hear them crow at other, seemingly random times throughout the day

So, if you’ve heard a rooster crow at an unexpected time or if you’re simply curious, here’s why roosters crow in the first place, what times they normally crow, and what it means if they crow and night or other times throughout the day.

Why Do Roosters Crow?

If you’ve ever been woken up by a rooster, perhaps earlier than you would have liked, then chances are you’ve got that distinct screaming noise imprinted in your brain: a rooster’s crow.

But, as you cover your ears with your pillows and try to block out the sound, have you ever thought to yourself: why do roosters crow anyway?

Well, as it turns out, it’s not just to annoy their owners!

In fact, roosters crow for more than a few reasons, including:

1. Announcing the break of dawn. Typically the lead rooster of a flock will announce the beginning of the day, followed by responses of the roosters lower in the hierarchy.
2. As a celebration. Its well-known roosters will actually crow almost as a celebration. Normally this follows successful courtship, but it can also follow the success of defending its flock or other reason.
3. As a territorial marker. Roosters are rather competitive creatures. By nature, they are quite territorial and protective of their flock and home. Roosters, typically the lead rooster, will often give a “cock-a-doodle-do” as an announcement to other roosters in the flock, or to others that they think may be in the area.

However, it’s important to note that roosters will also crow in response to a range of seemingly random stimuli, from the sight of a bird in the sky to the sound of a truck driving past.

It’s also known that some breeds of roosters crow quieter or less often than others too!

To Announce The New Day

Roosters aren’t the only birds to sing in the morning. The problem is they’re simply tone-deaf!

Originally it was assumed that roosters would crow in the morning as a response to the change in light. While not entirely false, a scientifically conducted experiment determined it’s actually controlled by a rooster’s internal biological clock, the circadian rhythm. 

This internal clock is guided by stimuli such as light, but their crowing isn’t simply a response to light.

This was suggested in the study, and it was concluded that roosters actually crow in ANTICIPATION of the light, in order to wake their flock up, ready for the day (amongst other reasons).

As A Celebration Or To Communicate

On some occasions, roosters will crow routinely, like in the morning.  However, there are other occasions where a crow can be used as an expression of celebration.

This type of crowing is most often witnessed after a successful courtship, but it can really follow any perceived success from the rooster’s point of view.

At other times a roosters crow can simply be to communicate a message to their flock. This can be to communicate apparent danger or simply as means to exert their status over their flock.

Territorial And Control

Roosters are driven by social conquest and are territorial by nature. It’s in their nature to create and maintain a social hierarchy known as the pecking order.

In the absence of a rooster, the lead hen will often assume the position of top chicken. On the flip side, if there are multiple roosters in the flock, there will still only be one top-chicken, normally followed by the lower-ranking roosters.

Top-roosters are normally the first to crow in the morning and those who crow most often during the day. It’s a way of demonstrating their power and maintaining social order within the flock.

Interestingly, one study found that when the most dominant rooster was physically removed from the flock, the next in line would assume the position and begin the crow in the morning.

This suggests those roosters who aren’t top-ranking will actually suppress their drive from their circadian clocks, and for the sake of the pecking order, allow the top rooster to start the crowing first.

What Time Do Roosters Crow?

Due to the common anecdote of a rooster crowing early in the morning as a wake-up call, some believe this is the only time a rooster crows.

But in fact, there are several times throughout the day when roosters are more likely to crow. Some of these times may seem more random than others, as roosters can crow as a response to many different circumstances.

Nonetheless, roosters will routinely crow just before first light, reactively throughout the day for various reasons, and commonly at dusk.

It’s because of this constant noise that it’s often illegal to raise roosters in many residential areas, violating noise ordinances. 

Roosters Crowing In The Morning

Depending on where you are living, and whether or not it’s daylight savings, roosters will generally crow in the morning between about 4:30 am – 6:00 am.

The lead roosters will let off a loud and thundering crow, alerting their flock that it’s time to start a new day. This initial crow may be followed by other roosters’ crows, or the lead rooster may decide to let off another series of crows shortly after.

In terms of exact timing in the morning, it can differ depending on the external stimuli that influence the biological clock of a rooster.

However, it’s said that these clocks work at intervals of 23.8 hours on average, so it’s not uncommon for a rooster to crow slightly earlier and earlier in the morning until something resets it.

Roosters Crowing At Dusk

As roosters are normally brilliant protectors of their flock, it’s not uncommon for a rooster to give a cock-a-doodle-do crow as the sun is setting. This can be between 5:30-7:00 pm and is normally a signal to their flock to finish up for the day.

Roosters may even crow at dusk as a territorial behavior, warning any intruders close by that this territory is theirs.

Is It Normal For Roosters To Crow All Throughout The Day?

Although it’s known that roosters have morning routine crows, guided by their biological clock, it’s normal for roosters to crow at all other times through the day too.

It’s possible for a rooster to crow at any time throughout the day and night, as a simple reaction or response to something that makes them feel like crowing. 

The normal suspects are loud noises, the appearance of a predator or unknown animal, or in celebration of courtship or other activity.

In addition, crowing is their way of communicating with other flock members and helps shape the social hierarchy. 

So don’t be alarmed if your roosters are crowing at random times throughout the day — it’s completely normal!

Do Roosters Crow Every Morning?

Typically yes. Given that a rooster’s crowing is largely determined by their internal clock or circadian rhythm, roosters will routinely crow just before the break of day.

This constant routine of crowing in the morning is guided by light, but is not determined by it. This is evidenced as some roosters will actually routinely crow in anticipation of the light, not by the light itself.

Therefore, it’s almost impossible to stop a rooster from crowing in the morning, every morning. They are just far too determined by their nature!

Should Roosters Crow At Night (Midnight, 2 am, 3 am)

Although it’s not common, it is possible for roosters to crow at any time of night. 

This is normally in response to a predator, artificial light, or something else going on in the coop!

If you’ve found that one of your roosters is constantly crowing at the same time every night, whether it’s midnight, 2 am, or 3 am, it’s best to do some investigations.

Something is causing your rooster to feel the need to crow.

If you’ve got artificial lights around your chicken coop, this could be having a negative effect on your rooster’s internal clock, causing them to crow much earlier than expected.

Otherwise, it could even be a motion-sensor light going off in response to a nearby animal moving past it.

It could even be that the coop is being visited by a potential predator at night, and the crowing is a warning to the predator and to your flock!

It’s not common nor is it normal for roosters to routinely crow throughout the night, and it’s almost always a response to something.

Wrap Up

Roosters can crow for a whole range of reasons at any time during the day or night.

A rooster’s biological clock, the circadian rhythm, tells the rooster to crow in the morning, at or just before first light. This is the duty of the lead rooster, to announce the new day to their flock, and to maintain the pecking order.

However, roosters will also crow throughout the day for a variety of reasons, including communicating with their flock, celebrating, or in response to a predator.

It’s much less likely a rooster will crow at night, but if they are crowing at midnight or in the early hours of the morning it’s likely it’s as a response to something, rather than their biological clock telling them to do so.

Happy backyard farming.

Maurice the rooster scores victory in battle for France's soul

Owner of famed French rooster emerged victorious from a legal battle with her neighbours over his early-morning crowing, with a court upholding the bird's right to sing in the day.

September 5, 2019

A French court ruled on Thursday that a rooster called Maurice could continue his dawn crowing despite complaints from neighbours, in a case the French media has cast as a battle between the old rural way of life and modern values creeping in from the city.

One of Maurice's owners, Corinne Fesseau, said the court in Rochefort, western France, rejected a demand from the neighbours that Maurice be silenced.

"Today, Maurice has won a battle for the whole of France," said Fesseau.

Maurice, the rooster of Corinne Fesseau, whose loud crows landed him in court after being accused of noise pollution, is pictured in Saint-Pierre-d'Oleron, France, August 31, 2019

"Today, Maurice has won a battle for the whole of France," said Fesseau.

Corinne Fesseau poses with her rooster, Maurice, whose loud crows landed him in court after being 

accused of noise pollution

What is the significance of the rooster crowing 

in regards to Peter denying Jesus three times? 

 ( Click here ) 

"Good Morning" to everyone 大家早上好 Dàjiā zǎoshang hǎo

 The phrase "good morning" has been used for many centuries, with origins tracing back to Middle English around 1150-1500. It is derived from the Old English word "morgen," meaning the start of the day, and is not linked to any mocking of enslaved people, as some modern claims suggest.

 

Origins of "Good Morning"

The phrase "good morning" has a long history, dating back to the Middle English period, which spans from around 1150 to 1500. It is derived from the Old English word "morgen," meaning "the start of the day."

Etymology

Morning: Comes from Old English "morgen."

Good Morning: Combines "good" with "morning," used as a greeting.

The phrase has been consistently used in English literature, appearing in works by Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare.

Misconceptions About Its Origin

Recent claims suggest that "good morning" originated as a taunt from slave owners towards enslaved people, implying it was used to mock their mourning. However, this assertion is unfounded.

Key Points

No Evidence: Historians have found no historical records supporting the idea that "good morning" was used in this derogatory manner.

Etymological Roots: "Morning" and "mourning" are etymologically unrelated, stemming from different word origins.

Cultural Significance

"Good morning" is a common greeting used to acknowledge the start of the day. It is typically used from early morning until noon, although cultural interpretations of morning can vary.

Usage

Greeting: Used to greet someone, often with respect by adding a last name (e.g., "Good morning, Mr. Smith").

Variations: Some people may shorten it to just "morning."

The phrase remains a staple in English-speaking cultures, reflecting a positive start to the day.

“早上好”这句话已经使用了几个世纪，其起源可以追溯到公元1150年至1500年左右的中古英语时期。它源自古英语单词“morgen”，意为“一天的开始”，与嘲讽奴隶无关，这与一些现代的说法相悖。

“早上好”的起源

“早上好”这句话有着悠久的历史，可以追溯到公元1150年至1500年左右的中古英语时期。它源自古英语单词“morgen”，意为“一天的开始”。

词源

“Morning”（早晨）：源自古英语“morgen”。

“Good Morning”（早上好）：由“good”（好）和“morning”（早晨）组合而成，用作问候语。

这句话在英国文学作品中一直被使用，出现在杰弗里·乔叟和威廉·莎士比亚的作品中。

 关于“早上好”起源的误解

最近有说法称，“早上好”最初是奴隶主对奴隶的嘲讽，意在嘲笑他们的哀悼。然而，这种说法毫无根据。

要点

没有证据：历史学家没有发现任何历史记录支持“早上好”曾被用于这种贬义的说法。

词源：“早上好”和“哀悼”在词源上毫无关联，源自不同的词根。

文化意义

“早上好”是一种常用的问候语，用来表示一天的开始。它通常在清晨到中午之间使用，尽管不同文化对“早上好”的理解可能有所不同。

用法

问候：用于问候他人，通常会加上姓氏以示尊敬（例如，“早上好，史密斯先生”）。

变体：有些人可能会将其缩写为“morning”。

 这句短语在英语文化中仍然很常见，反映了积极的一天的开始。

What does "evening and morning" mean in Genesis 1?

The Use of “Evening and Morning” in Genesis 1

I. Overview of the Phrase

In Genesis 1, the expression “evening and morning” appears repeatedly to demarcate each completed day of the creation account. The verse often quoted is: “God called the light ‘day,’ and the darkness He called ‘night.’ And there was evening, and there was morning-the first day” (Genesis 1:5). Variations of this phrase introduce the closing of one day’s activity and the start of the next, creating a regular pattern throughout the chapter (see Genesis 1:8, 1:13, 1:19, 1:23, 1:31).

II. Linguistic and Cultural Background

In the Hebrew text, the words for “evening” (עֶרֶב, ʿerev) and “morning” (בֹּקֶר, bōqer) convey the natural transition from dark to light. The Hebrew day traditionally begins at sunset, so the sequence “evening” followed by “morning” aligns with the ancient Israelite practice of reckoning a day. Manuscript evidence, including the Masoretic Text and the Dead Sea Scrolls, shows remarkable consistency in preserving this formula.

III. Structured Pattern in Genesis 1

Each creative act in Genesis 1 concludes with a reference to the time boundary of that day’s events. The pattern is repetitive and precise:

• Reference to God’s creative work (“Then God said…”)

• Fulfillment or result of the command (“And it was so…”)

• Pronouncement that it was “good”

• Concluding statement: “And there was evening and there was morning-the nth day.”

This literary structure underscores the deliberate nature of the creation account and demonstrates the author’s intention to communicate discrete intervals of creation.

IV. Interpreting the Timeframe

Though some have debated whether these intervals are symbolic or figurative, a widely held view is that “evening and morning” denotes literal 24-hour segments. The repeated reference in the text and the straightforward reading lend support to this interpretation. Archaeological discoveries (such as Ebla tablets) attest to ancient cultures using similar day-demarcations, further supporting the concept that these phrases were understood as normal, daily cycles within a short creation timeline.

V. Consistency with a Young-Earth Timeline

Genealogical records in Genesis 5 and 11 provide chronological markers that, taken plainly, place the creation in a timeframe commonly associated with Archbishop James Ussher’s proposal of around 4004 BC. The phrase “evening and morning” fits naturally with a literal, consecutive-day framework. While various scientific models exist, some research highlights anomalies in radiometric dating, helium in zircons, ocean salinity levels, and other phenomena cited by proponents of a young earth. These findings are presented as consistent with a short timescale and a literal rendering of “evening and morning.”

VI. Theological Emphasis

The daily boundaries emphasize order, intention, and purposeful design in the formation of creation. The repetition underscores the rhythm of work and rest that anticipates the Sabbath (see Genesis 2:2-3). This structured approach to time is echoed in later scriptures that speak of God’s authority over creation in precise terms (e.g., Psalm 33:6-9). It also highlights the balance and goodness in creation, culminating in humanity’s formation and the final pronouncement that everything was “very good” (Genesis 1:31).

VII. Historical Church Interpretation

Early commentators, including many rabbinic and patristic sources, took the “evening and morning” references straightforwardly in discussing creation’s timeframe. While there was and remains minor variance in interpretation, a broader perspective emphasizes the text’s own claims of divine order and structure. Over centuries, this has bolstered the doctrine that God created all things intentionally, culminating in humankind made in His image (Genesis 1:26-27).

VIII. Manuscript Evidence and Reliability

Ancient manuscripts such as the Dead Sea Scrolls offer substantial confirmation of the text’s stability over time. These scrolls, dating to a few centuries before Christ, show the phrase “evening and morning” to have been transmitted faithfully. Additional manuscript evidence-from the Septuagint (Greek translation) to the Masoretic tradition-continues to reinforce that Genesis 1 was deliberately written to convey a consistent creation account.

IX. Practical Insights and Conclusion

The phrase “evening and morning” stands as much more than a poetic refrain. It signals the deliberate progression of creation, each day clearly bounded and declared complete. For many readers, it provides assurance of a Creator who forms and orders the universe with precision and purpose. This portrayal of time can reinforce the rhythm of work and rest, trusting that each day is a gift fashioned by the Creator.

Ultimately, “evening and morning” in Genesis 1 ties together language, theology, and chronology. Through its consistent inclusion in the creation narrative, it provides repeated evidence of distinct days, conveying the power of God to shape each phase of existence according to His design and will.

最终，《创世记》第一章中的“有晚上，有早晨”将语言、神学和时间顺序联系在一起。它贯穿于整个创造叙事，反复证明存在着不同的日子，展现了上帝按照祂的设计和旨意塑造万物存在的每一个阶段的能力。

创世记1章中的“晚上和早晨”是什么意思？

创世记1章中“晚上和早晨”的用法

一、短语概述

在创世记1章中，“晚上和早晨”反复出现，用来界定创造故事中每一天的结束。常被引用的经文是：“神称光为‘昼’，称暗为‘夜’。有晚上，有早晨，这是头一日。”（创世记1:5）这个短语的各种变体都用来表示一天的结束和第二天的开始，在整章中形成了一种规律性的模式（参见创世记1:8、1:13、1:19、1:23、1:31）。

二、 语言和文化背景

在希伯来语文本中，“晚上”（עֶרֶב，ʿerev）和“早晨”（בֹּקֶר，bōqer）这两个词表达了从黑暗到光明的自然过渡。希伯来人的一天传统上从日落开始，因此“晚上”后接“早晨”的顺序与古代以色列人计算一天的习俗相符。包括马索拉文本和死海古卷在内的手稿证据表明，这一格式得到了惊人的保留。

三、创世记1章的结构模式

创世记1章中的每一项创造行为都以提及当日事件的时间界限作为结尾。 这种模式重复而精准：

• 提及上帝的创造之工（“于是上帝说……”）

• 诫命的实现或结果（“事就这样成了……”）

• 宣告一切“甚好”

• 总结性陈述：“有晚上，有早晨，这是第n日。”

这种文学结构强调了创世记述的精心安排，并表明作者意在传达创造过程中各个独立的阶段。

IV. 时间框架的解读

尽管有人争论这些阶段是象征性的还是比喻性的，但普遍的观点认为“有晚上，有早晨”指的是字面意义上的24小时。文本中反复提及以及直白的解读都支持这种解释。考古发现（例如埃布拉泥板）证明古代文化也使用类似的日期划分，进一步支持了这些短语被理解为在较短的创世时间线中正常的每日循环的观点。

 五、与年轻地球论时间线的一致性

创世记第5章和第11章中的家谱记录提供了时间标记，从字面上看，这些标记将创世的时间范围与詹姆斯·乌舍尔大主教提出的公元前4004年左右的观点相吻合。“有晚上，有早晨”这一表述自然地符合字面意义上的连续日期框架。尽管存在各种科学模型，但一些研究强调了放射性测年、锆石中的氦含量、海洋盐度水平以及其他一些年轻地球论支持者所引用的现象的异常之处。这些发现被认为与较短的时间尺度以及“有晚上，有早晨”的字面解释相一致。

六、神学重点

每日的界限强调了创造形成过程中的秩序、意图和有目的的设计。这种重复强调了工作与休息的节奏，预示着安息日的到来（参见创世记2:2-3）。 这种结构化的时间观在后来的经文中也有所体现，这些经文以精确的语言描述了上帝对创造的权柄（例如，诗篇33:6-9）。它也强调了创造中的平衡与美好，最终体现在人类的形成以及“一切都甚好”（创世记1:31）的宣告中。

七、教会历史诠释

早期注释家，包括许多拉比和教父的文献，在讨论创造的时间框架时，直接引用了“晚上和早晨”的说法。虽然过去和现在在解释上存在一些细微的差异，但更广阔的视角强调了经文本身对神圣秩序和结构的宣告。几个世纪以来，这强化了上帝有意创造万物的教义，最终体现在按着祂的形象所造的人类身上（创世记1:26-27）。

八、 手稿证据与可靠性

诸如死海古卷之类的古代手稿为经文的长期稳定性提供了有力佐证。这些古卷可追溯至公元前几个世纪，其中“有晚上，有早晨”这一短语被忠实地传承至今。从七十士译本（希腊文译本）到马索拉文本传统，其他手稿证据也持续强化着《创世记》第一章的写作目的，即旨在传达一个连贯一致的创世故事。

九、实践启示与结论

“有晚上，有早晨”这一短语远不止是一句诗意的重复。它象征着创造的有序进行，每一天都界限分明，并被宣告为完整。对许多读者而言，它让他们确信造物主以精准和目的塑造并安排着宇宙万物。这种对时间的描绘可以强化工作与休息的节奏，使人相信每一天都是造物主精心打造的礼物。

The phrase "good morning" has been used for many centuries, with origins tracing back to Middle English around 1150-1500. It is derived from the Old English word "morgen," meaning the start of the day, and is not linked to any mocking of enslaved people, as some modern claims suggest.

Origins of "Good Morning"

The phrase "good morning" has a long

history, dating back to the Middle English

period, which spans from around 1150 to

1500. It is derived from the Old English

word "morgen," meaning "the start of the

day."

Etymology

• Morning: Comes from Old English 
• "morgen."
• Good Morning: Combines "good" 
• with "morning," used as a greeting.

The phrase has been consistently used

in English literature, appearing in works

by Geoffrey Chaucer and William

Shakespeare.

Misconceptions About Its Origin

Recent claims suggest that"good morning"

originated as a taunt from slave owners

towards enslaved people, implying it was

used to mock their mourning. However,

this assertion is unfounded.

Key Points

• No Evidence: Historians have found no 
• historical records supporting the idea 
• that "good morning" was used in this 
• derogatory manner.
• Etymological Roots: "Morning" and 
• "mourning" are etymologically 
• unrelated, stemming from different 
• word origins.

Cultural Significance

"Good morning" is a common greeting

used to acknowledge the start of the day.

It is typically used from early morning until

noon, although cultural interpretations of

morning can vary.

Usage

• Greeting: Used to greet someone, 
• often with respect by adding a last 
• name (e.g., "Good morning, 
• Mr. Smith").
• Variations: Some people may shorten 
• it to just "morning."

The phrase remains a staple in English-

speaking cultures, reflecting a positive

start to the day.