[Greek] πλαστός (plastos), [Latin] fictis: formed, molded, plastic, false, feigned, fabricated, made up, deceitful; 2Pet.2:3
Jesus warned of false prophets (and teachers) who come in sheep’s clothing (Mt.7:15)
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term can take on various and nuanced meanings. This term can mean: that can be formed, easily molded, untrue, plastic, forged, fabricated, invented, fake, feigned, counterfeit, hypothetical, and mythical. Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus 780 states, “At a banquet, a man drunk with wine let out that I was not the true son of my father.” Xenophon’s Agesilaus 1.38 states, “At the end the Greeks showed that their affection was unfeigned.” Heterodotus’ Histories 1.68 states, “And in my digging I hit upon, a coffin twelve feet long. I could not believe that there had ever been men taller than now.”
Old Testament culture: This term is not found in the Old Testament. However, this term, in Philo’s writings, has the sense of being merely physical. Philo’s On Dreams 2.140 states, “And what greater evil than for pride, that deceiver and beguiler, to be praised and admired, instead of sincere and honest simplicity?” Philo’s Legum Allegoriae 54 states, “Therefore, the man modelled after the idea of God, is perceived not only amid the planting of the virtues, He is their cultivator and guardian.” Philo’s Legum Allegoriae 4 states, “But it is not good for any man to be alone. For there are two kinds of men, the one made according to the image of God, the other fashioned out of the earth.”
New Testament: This term is found only once in the book 2 Peter. False teachers seek to win over the members of the community with false or deceitful teachings (and claims). These false teachings and claims are fabrications, leading to condemnation and destruction. This continues the concerns of the Old Testament prophets. Such destructive opinions of heretical sects bring loss of faith in Christ, contempt for the way of salvation, and immorality.
Scripture:
“In their greed they will exploit you with fabrication, but from of their old condemnation has not been idle and their destruction does not sleep.” 2 Pet.2:3
These false teachers seek to win over the community with false and deceitful claims. These false claims are fabrications.
Conclusion:
Plastic, fiction fictitious
It was interesting to discover the various and nuanced meanings of this term. This term can range from plastic, fabricated, fake to deceitful, and evil. It is ironic that a drunken man revealed the truth of a man not being the son of that person. As many of us already know, alcohol can often release one’s inhibitions in holding back the truth. It was also interesting that this term can apply to “tall” stories of twelve foot men.
I was surprised that this term does not occur in the Old Testament. Philo, a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher, often speaks to the nature of Adam. Adam comes from the Jewish term adamah, meaning ground. God formed Adam out of the dust of the ground (Gen.2:7). (Ash Wednesday comes to mind). So God fabricated Adam from the ground.
These false teachers were like wolves (in sheep’s clothing) seeking to deceive, confuse, and condemn the community. The false teachings and claim were fabrications.
By the way, the story of the twelve foot man is true. I wouldn’t make this up! ☺☺☺