Brief Overview of πλάσμα (Strong’s G4110: plasma)

Strong’s G4110: A molded or formed thing, derived from πλάσσω (plassō), meaning “to form or mold.” In ancient Greek culture, it referred to anything shaped by a craftsman. In New Testament usage, it specifically denotes something molded by God, emphasizing divine creation and sovereignty.

U- Unveiling the Word

πλάσμα captures the essence of creation as something molded or formed by a master craftsman. In the New Testament, it appears in Paul’s profound discussion of divine sovereignty in Romans, where it represents humanity as God’s creation. The term carries rich imagery from pottery-making, where the potter has complete authority over the clay. Early church fathers frequently used this word to discuss human creation and our relationship with God as Creator. Today, it reminds us of our identity as God’s handiwork and our proper stance before Him.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πλάσμα, plasma, /PLAZ-mah/
• Detailed pronunciation: PLAZ-mah (emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πλασ- (plas-) meaning “to form/mold”
• Suffix: -μα (-ma) indicating the result of an action
• Derived from πλάσσω (plassō), “to mold”

D – Defining Meanings

• Molded thing
• Formed creation
• Shaped object

For compound words: Not a compound word, but contains the productive -μα suffix indicating the result of the action of molding

Translation Options:

• Molded thing – Emphasizes the passive nature of being shaped
• Created thing – Highlights the relationship to a creator
• Formation – Focuses on the result of the creative process

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ποίημα (poiēma) /poy-AY-mah/ – something made, emphasizes the act of making rather than molding
  See G4161
• κτίσμα (ktisma) /KTIS-mah/ – created thing, emphasizes the act of bringing into existence
  See G2938

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Various (Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative)
• Number: Singular and Plural forms
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third declension

Examples of morphological changes:
Nominative/Accusative singular: πλάσμα
Genitive singular: πλάσματος
Dative singular: πλάσματι
Plural: πλάσματα

• Cross-references to verbal form πλάσσω and agent noun πλάστης

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its connection to divine creation. Thayer’s notes its broad application to anything molded or formed. LSJ documents its use in pottery and sculpture contexts. Vine’s highlights its theological significance in Romans. Strong’s connects it to the concept of divine fashioning. LEH provides Septuagint usage regarding God’s creative work. Moulton and Milligan note its common use in pottery terminology.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will the molded thing say to its molder, ‘Why have you made me like this?'” Romans 9:20

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πλάσμα beautifully illustrates our relationship with God as His created beings. It reminds us that we are intentionally formed by a loving Creator with purpose and design. This truth brings both humility and dignity – humility in recognizing God’s sovereignty, and dignity in knowing we are His purposeful creation. In Christ, we see the perfect image of what God intended His πλάσμα to be.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term influenced modern medical terminology, particularly in blood plasma studies.
2. Ancient Greek pottery workshops often had this word inscribed on their tools.
3. Early Christian art frequently depicted God as a potter with πλάσμα written near creation scenes.

Strong’s G4110: A molded or formed thing, specifically referring to something shaped by a craftsman or creator. In biblical context, it emphasizes humanity’s relationship to God as creation to Creator, highlighting both divine sovereignty and purposeful design.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: creation, formed thing, pottery, divine craftsmanship, sovereignty, Romans, Paul’s theology, creation theology, biblical Greek, Creator-creation relationship, divine purpose, human identity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​