The term "consecrates" refers to the act of setting apart or dedicating something or someone for a sacred purpose. In the biblical context, consecration is a significant theme that underscores the holiness and dedication required for service to God. This concept is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, where it is applied to people, places, and objects.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, consecration is often associated with the priesthood, the tabernacle, and the temple. The Hebrew word for consecrate is "qadash," which means to be set apart or made holy. The process of consecration involved specific rituals and offerings, signifying purification and dedication to God.

1. Priests and Levites: The consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests is detailed in Exodus 29. God commands Moses to consecrate them through a series of rituals, including washing, anointing with oil, and offering sacrifices. Exodus 29:9 states, "So you shall put the turbans on their heads and tie sashes around the waists of Aaron and his sons. The priesthood is to be theirs by a permanent statute. In this way, you shall ordain Aaron and his sons."

2. The Tabernacle and Temple: The tabernacle and later the temple were consecrated as holy places where God's presence dwelled. In Exodus 40:9 , God instructs Moses, "Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it and all its furnishings, and it will be holy."

3. Objects and Offerings: Various objects and offerings were also consecrated for use in worship. For example, the altar was consecrated with blood and oil, as described in Leviticus 8:10-11 : "Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and everything in it, and so consecrated them. He sprinkled some of the oil on the altar seven times, anointing the altar and all its utensils, as well as the basin and its stand, to consecrate them."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of consecration shifts focus from ritualistic practices to the spiritual dedication of believers. The Greek word "hagiazō" is often used, meaning to make holy or sanctify.

1. Jesus Christ: Jesus is seen as the ultimate consecrated one, set apart for the redemption of humanity. In John 17:19 , Jesus prays, "For them I sanctify Myself, so that they too may be sanctified by the truth."

2. Believers: Christians are called to live consecrated lives, dedicated to God and His purposes. Romans 12:1 exhorts believers, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."

3. The Church: The church, as the body of Christ, is consecrated to God. Ephesians 5:25-27 describes Christ's love for the church, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless."

Significance

Consecration in the Bible signifies a profound commitment to God, reflecting His holiness and the call for His people to be holy. It involves both an external dedication and an internal transformation, aligning one's life with God's will and purposes. Through consecration, individuals and communities are set apart to serve and glorify God, embodying His presence in the world.6942. qadash -- to be set apart or consecrated
... or consecrated NASB Word Usage become consecrated (2), become defiled (1), become
holy (1), consecrate (43), consecrated (35), consecrates (7), consecration (2 ...
/hebrew/6942.htm - 6k

Whether the Priest who Consecrates is Bound to Receive this ...
... OF THE MINISTER OF THIS SACRAMENT (TEN ARTICLES) Whether the priest who
consecrates is bound to receive this sacrament? Objection ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the priest who consecrates.htm

Lucifer Goes to Antioch and Consecrates Paulinus.
... Book III. Chapter VI."Lucifer goes to Antioch and consecrates Paulinus.
It was decided therefore that Lucifer should go to Antioch ...
/.../chapter vi lucifer goes to antioch.htm

Chronological Table
... Lucifer consecrates Paulinus at Antioch. ... Basil Forces Gregory of Nazianzus to be
consecrated bishop of Sasima, and consecrates his brother Gregory to Nyssa. ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/chronological table.htm

Whether a Bishop Alone Confers the Sacrament of Order?
... Now the sacrament of Order is directed to the Eucharist, as accessory to principal.
Since then a priest consecrates the Eucharist, he can also confer Orders. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a bishop alone confers.htm

Whether a Wicked Priest Can Consecrate the Eucharist?
... I answer that, As was said above ([4686]AA[1],3), the priest consecrates this sacrament
not by his own power, but as the minister of Christ, in Whose person he ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a wicked priest can.htm

Whether in the Church There Can be Anyone Above the Bishops?
... that which is less is blessed by the greater [Vulg.: 'better']"; hence a priest
does not consecrate a bishop or a priest, but a bishop consecrates a priest. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether in the church there.htm

Whether Heretics, Schismatics, and Excommunicated Persons Can ...
... But when the priest consecrates the Eucharist, he does so in the person of the entire
Church, as is evident from the fact of his putting up all prayers in the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether heretics schismatics and excommunicated.htm

Index.
... 203; confirms Justinian's profession of faith, at the emperor's request, 204; goes
to Constantinople, deposes Anthimus and consecrates Mennas patriarch, 205. ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/index 2.htm

Troubles of Lingering at the Crossing
... vacillation. No one can feel sure of his condition if he consecrates and then
deserts his word, consecrates again and then doubts that. ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter four troubles of lingering.htm

On the Holy Eucharist
... small Hosts. He consecrates a large number of these small hosts sometimes
while he is consecrating the larger one for himself. When ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 22 on the holy.htm

Consecrates (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Consecrates (6 Occurrences). Leviticus 27:14
"'When a man dedicates his house to be holy to Yahweh, then ...
/c/consecrates.htm - 8k

Vow (49 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A solemn promise made to God, or to some deity; an act by which one consecrates
or devotes himself, absolutely or conditionally, wholly or in part, for ...
/v/vow.htm - 27k

Consecrateth (5 Occurrences)

/c/consecrateth.htm - 8k

Saints (117 Occurrences)
... When God consecrates and claims moral beings for Himself and His service, He demands
that they should go on to be fit for and worthy of the relation in which ...
/s/saints.htm - 39k

Mind (615 Occurrences)
... The impulse God-ward proceeds from the heart, and is realized in the life through
the will, which consecrates itself actively to the accomplishment of His will ...
/m/mind.htm - 43k

Consecrated (101 Occurrences)

/c/consecrated.htm - 38k

God (45911 Occurrences)
... certain passages in Exodus, ascribed to the Priestly Code, the glory is a bright
light, "like devouring fire" (24:17); it fills and consecrates the tabernacle ...
/g/god.htm - 101k

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