[Greek] πλάσσω (plassō), [Latin] formare, [German] bilden: to form, to mold, to fabricate, to be created, to be molded, to be fabricated, plastic; 1Tim.2:13, Rom.9:20
Greek origin myth: Pandora opening the box
Background Information:
Greek mythology: Since little was understood about how the world works, origin myths were developed to explain such phenomena. A famous example of such a myth involved Pandora’s Jar. Out of vengeance toward man, Zeus ordered Hephaestus, the Greek god of blacksmiths and sculptors, to create Pandora. Pandora was created out of earth and water. Pandora was the first woman on earth. Pandora was given a jar. This jar contained all the evils in the world. Pandora was instructed never to open this jar. However, out of curiosity, Pandora opens up this jar. Well, you know the rest of the story.
Old Testament: This term presents God as the Creator who gives shape and form. God formed the earth and man. God molds and shapes the guidance, liberation, and punishment for man. Greek Hellenism presents man living on two levels, that of body and that of soul. In contrast, God forms man, integrated with body and soul. In some examples, even God Himself is sometimes often described as with human characteristics. Then the Lord God formed the man out of the dust of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being (Gen.2:7). The One who fashioned the hearts of all of them knows all their works (Psa.33:15). Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you (Jer.1:5). Take care! I am fashioning evil against you and making a plan. Return, each of you, from his evil way; reform you ways and your deeds (Jer.18:11).
New Testament: This term is primarily used in the sense of to make or to mold. God is likened as a potter who molds and shapes His creation, man. This becomes a reminder of God’s power over creation. This term also indicates that Adam was first formed. This belief system, the older ranking first, contributes to the cultural values of the secondary status of women in society. Eve, like other women, takes on a secondary social status subservient to men. For the most part, a patriarchal system existed at this time. This belief systems was taken for granted in Hellenism and Judaism. However, this idea is eventually later abandoned in practice in the New Testament.
Scripture:
“For Adam was formed first, then Eve.” 1 Tim.2:13
Women historically had taken on a secondary status in patriarchal societies. For better or not, this scripture passage reinforced this idea. These values were present in the Greco-Roman, Hellenistic, and Jewish cultures. This idea starts to change in the New Testament era.
“But who indeed are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Will what is made say to its maker, ‘Why have you created me so?’” Rom.9:20
This is a reminder of God’s majesty and sovereignty. Man is dependent on God.
Conclusion:
Plastic, plasm, plasma, plaster, form, format, build
Pandora’s Jar? Don’t you mean Pandora’s Box! Yes. Actually later translations changed this from a jar to a box. As everyone knows, opening up Pandora’s Box means unleashing something potentially dangerous. It is interesting to note that there is a commonality between Eve and Pandora. Both were created from the earth. Both made a bad decision.
It becomes readily apparent that Genesis becomes the origin (pardon the pun!) for God creating and breathing life into Adam and Eve. God is the potter. We are his pottery. God already knows are our heart, path, and destiny.
It is also interesting to note that the New Testament culture begins to tear down that notion of the secondariness (second-class nature) of women. Women play a more prominent role in this still patriarchal society (Elizabeth, Mary, Mary Magdalene, Mary and Martha, etc.). In a reversal of the Genesis story, Mary (New Eve) first comes into the picture as the pure vessel, then Jesus (New Adam) follows. Jesus couldn’t find a better vessel to be born into! God couldn’t have created and formed a better redemption story!