Drusilla

The name Drusilla originates from the Latin cognomen 'Drusus,' which itself is derived from the Greek word 'drosos,' meaning dew. The diminutive suffix '-illa' transforms the name into its feminine form, giving it the meaning 'watered by the dew' or 'refreshing.' This poetic and serene meaning aligns with its historical use among notable Roman women, particularly those of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. The name gained prominence through figures like Livia Drusilla, wife of Emperor Augustus. Over time, it spread across the Roman Empire and was later adopted by English speakers in the 17th century. Despite its historical depth, Drusilla has remained relatively rare in modern naming conventions.

In the Bible, Drusilla is a character of complex moral and spiritual significance. She was the youngest daughter of Herod Agrippa I, a Jewish king noted for his opposition to the early Christian church. Despite her Jewish heritage, Drusilla's life took a controversial turn when she left her first husband, Azizus, the king of Emesa, to marry Felix, the Roman procurator of Judea. This decision, made in defiance of Jewish law, marked her as a figure of moral ambiguity. Her proximity to pivotal biblical events, however, is undeniable. Drusilla is noted in Acts 24:24–25, where she and Felix listened to the Apostle Paul speak about faith in Christ. While her Divine Proximity Index stands at 70.3/100, reflecting an indirect association with God's work, her Jesus Circle Score of 96.5/100 highlights her direct involvement in narratives connected to Jesus' teachings.

Drusilla appears in the New Testament in the Book of Acts (Acts 24:24–25). She is described as accompanying her husband, Felix, to hear the Apostle Paul speak while he was detained in Caesarea. Paul’s discourse on justice, self-control, and the coming judgment left Felix deeply unsettled, leading him to dismiss Paul temporarily. Drusilla’s presence in this scene underscores her proximity to significant moments in early Christian history. As a Jewish woman, her interest in Paul’s teachings about Jesus reflects the broader tension between Jewish traditions and the emerging Christian faith.