The phrase "to set apart" means to separate something or someone from a larger group, in order to dedicate it for a specific purpose. This can refer to both physical and metaphorical separation - such as reserving time for prayer or meditation, setting aside money for savings, or designating an area of land as a nature reserve. The act of "setting apart" implies that the individual or object is being singled out and treated differently from others in order to fulfill a particular goal or purpose.