Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 26:34

"Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice." — Matthew 26:34 (ASV)

Apparently it was usual for roosters in Palestine to crow about 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30 A. M., so the Romans gave the term “cockcrow” to the watch from 12:00 to 3:00 A. M. Despite Peter’s claims of undeviating loyalty, Jesus says that Peter is within hours of “disowning” (GK 565) him three times.