Lexical Summary plasma: Formation, creation, that which is molded Original Word: πλάσμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance image, thing formed. From plasso; something moulded -- thing formed. see GREEK plasso NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom plassó Definition that which is molded NASB Translation thing molded (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4110: πλάσμαπλάσμα, πλάσματος, τό (πλάσσω), what has been moulded or formed, as from wax (Plato, Theact., p. 197 d. and p. 200 b.); the thing formed by a potter, earthen vessel (Vulg.figmentum): Romans 9:20 (with πηλοῦ added, Aristophanes av. 686). Topical Lexicon Biblical Context and Occurrence The noun appears once in the Greek New Testament, Romans 9:20, within Paul’s discussion of God’s sovereign freedom: “But who are you, O man, to answer to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, ‘Why have you made me like this?’” (Romans 9:20). By choosing a term that denotes a crafted object, Paul underscores the absolute distinction between Creator and creature. Old Testament Background The imagery draws on a rich prophetic tradition. Isaiah warns, “Shall the potter be regarded as the clay?” (Isaiah 29:16), and again, “Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker… Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’ ” (Isaiah 45:9). Jeremiah is commanded to watch the potter at work (Jeremiah 18:1-6), learning that the artisan’s right to reshape the clay illustrates the Lord’s right to shape nations. Genesis 2:7 anticipates the motif by portraying humanity as dust molded by divine hands, and Job 10:9 echoes, “Remember that You molded me like clay.” Theological Themes 1. Sovereignty and Freedom of God: The single occurrence crystallizes the unassailable liberty of God to accomplish His purposes. Pauline Argument in Romans 9 Paul confronts objections to divine election by invoking the potter-clay analogy. The term emphasizes that questions about divine justice miss the point when they presume equality with God. Instead, the metaphor insists that all moral evaluations must begin with God’s self-revelation rather than autonomous human standards. Far from negating human responsibility (Romans 9:30-33), the image grounds it: as vessels fashioned for mercy, believers pursue faith and obedience; as vessels of wrath, the unrepentant expose the justice of God. Historical Reception in Church Tradition Early teachers such as Irenaeus affirmed that God’s formative work in Christ restores the marred clay of Adam. Augustine appealed to Romans 9 to defend grace against Pelagian self-sufficiency. Reformers cited the verse to stress sola gratia, while warning against fatalism by upholding the complementary biblical witness to genuine human response (Romans 10:9-13). Throughout history, potter-clay sermons have counseled nations and individuals to yield to divine shaping. Practical and Pastoral Implications • Discipleship: Spiritual maturity involves consenting to the Potter’s hands—welcoming pruning, discipline, and gifting (Hebrews 12:7-11). Mission and Discipleship Acknowledging God’s right to create vessels “for honor” propels mission: the redeemed announce mercy so that others, too, may become “instruments for noble purposes” (Romans 15:16; 2 Corinthians 4:6-7). Evangelism rests on the assurance that the Potter still fashions new hearts (Ezekiel 36:26). Worship and Prayer Biblical worship rehearses the potter theme: “We are the clay, You are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand” (Isaiah 64:8). Adoration, confession, and petition intertwine as believers acknowledge their dependence and God’s skillful artistry. Eschatological Hope God’s final remodeling of creation ensures that every vessel designed for glory will reach perfection (Romans 8:18-23). The present groaning of clay will yield to the unveiled splendor of God’s workmanship when Christ returns. Forms and Transliterations πλασμα πλάσμα πλάσματος plasma plásmaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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