[Greek]ἀπωθέω (apōtheō), [Latin] repellere: to push away, to reject, to repudiate; Acts 7:27,39, Acts 13:46, Rom.11:1-2, 1Tim.1:19
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: Apotheosis was the conferring the status of a god on a mortal emperor. Homer, regarded as the poet and source of sciences, was conferred with godhood. The Greek leaders Lysander, Alexander the Great, and Ptolomy were conferred with godhood.
Ancient Roman culture: Consecratio was the ritual act by which a mortal was given a divine status. A divus was a male given divine status. A diva was a female given divine status. The Roman leaders Romulus, Julius Caesar, and Augustus were conferred with godhood.
Old Testament: This term has many related Hebrew terms. This term can mean to flee, to run away, to cut down, to destroy, to remove, to drive out, to reject, to scorn, to ignore, to go astray, and to apostatize.
New Testament: This term means to push away and to reject.
Stephen relates that the Old Testament story of Moses encountering a fellow kinsman pushing someone. Stephen also relates that because of Moses’ absence (being with God), the Israelites built a golden calf. The Israelites pushed God aside and turned their hearts back to Egypt. Paul and Barnabas claim that it was necessary that the word of God first come to the chosen people Israelites. But since they had rejected it, they now turn to the Gentiles. God has not rejected His people, as He remains faithful to Israel. Some, by rejected conscience, have made a shipwreck of their faith.
Scripture:
“Our ancestors were unwilling to obey Him; instead, they pushed Him aside and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. Acts 7:39
Because of Moses’ absence (with God), the Israelites made a golden calf as a god.
“Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, ‘It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we must turn to the Gentiles.” Acts 13:46
The Israelites frustrate God’s plan for His chosen people.
“I ask, then has God rejected His people? Of course not!” Rom.11:1
God remains faithful to Israel. The unbelieving Jews are blinded by the Christian teaching concerning the Messiah.
Etymology: The Greek verb apotheo is derived from apo- (from) and theos (god). The modern word consecrate comes from con- (expressing intensity) and the Latin verb sacrare, meaning to dedicate or set aside.
Conclusion:
Apotheosis, consecration, consecrate, repel, repellant, diva
In ancient times this term conveys the notion of elevating one’s status.
In the Old Testament, this term conveys the notion of separating oneself.
We are all sailing on this journey of faith. May your faith anchor you and lead you away from being shipwrecked.
Consecration can be viewed as a process of separating oneself. When a priest pronounces the words of Eucharist consecration at Mass, the bread and wine, by the power of the Holy Spirit, is changed into the Body and Blood of Christ. The vocation of consecrated virginity is the oldest form of consecrated life in the Catholic Church.
Now you know where diva comes from. And this idea of being so special or important now makes sense.
“Sometimes you just have to throw on a crown and remind them who they’re dealing with.” Unknown
“When I’m good, I’m very good, but when I’m bad, I’m better.” Mae West.