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πλάσμα (plasma)

plasma

formed thing

G4110 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun plasma refers to something that has been molded or shaped into existence. Derived from the verb meaning "to form" or "to mold," it appears in Scripture to describe the result of this creative act. In Romans 9:20, Paul uses the term to illustrate the relationship between Creator and creation, likening humanity to clay objects fashioned by a potter.

This word carries the weight of intentional design, emphasizing that the formed thing owes its existence and nature to the one who shaped it. The sources note its use in the Greek Old Testament for the Hebrew yetsar, often translated as "form" or "fashion." By calling humans plasma, the text highlights human dependence on God’s hands, reminding readers that they are not self-made but intentionally crafted.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word plasma describes a formed thing, something shaped by a potter’s hands. In Romans 9:20, Paul uses this image to remind us that we are not self-made. We owe our existence and nature to the One who crafted us. This truth offers comfort when we feel small or uncertain about our place in the world.

Recognizing ourselves as formed things shifts our perspective. It invites humility, acknowledging that God has intentional design in our lives. Rather than questioning why we are made a certain way, we can trust the wisdom of our Creator. This understanding grounds our identity not in our own efforts, but in His faithful shaping.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • thing formed1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • πλάσμα1×

Key Verses

  • Romans 9:20
    But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed ask him who formed it, “Why did you make me like this?”

    Paul uses this term to illustrate the proper posture of creation before its Creator, emphasizing that the formed thing does not question the form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does plasma mean in the Bible?

Plasma means a formed thing or something that has been molded into existence. It appears in Romans 9:20 to describe humanity as objects shaped by God, highlighting our dependence on Him as Creator.

Why does Paul use the word plasma in Romans?

Paul uses it to illustrate the relationship between God and humanity. By calling us formed things, he reminds readers that we should not question God’s design but trust His wisdom as our Maker.

How is plasma different from other words for creation?

While other terms may focus on the act of creating, plasma emphasizes the result—the formed object itself. It carries the sense of intentional shaping, like clay in a potter’s hands.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Romans 1 verse
Romans 9:20

But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed ask him who formed it, “Why did you make me…