### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **plastós**, represented by `{{G4112}}`, describes something that is **moulded**. By implication, it means artificial, fictitious, or false. Its single appearance across one verse in the Bible highlights its specific use in warning against deception. The term conveys the idea of something being crafted or manufactured for a deceitful purpose, rather than being genuine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G4112}}` is found in [[2 Peter 2:3]], where it describes the methods of false teachers. The verse states that through covetousness `{{G4124}}`, these individuals will exploit believers with **feigned** `{{G4112}}` words `{{G3056}}`. This act of exploitation is described as making "merchandise" `{{G1710}}` of people. The passage immediately follows this warning with a promise of divine retribution, noting that their judgment `{{G2917}}` does not linger `{{G691}}` and their damnation `{{G684}}` does not slumber `{{G3573}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context illuminate the meaning of `{{G4112}}`:
* `{{G3056}}` **lógos** (word): This refers to something said or a topic of discourse. In [[2 Peter 2:3]], these are the very "words" that are described as feigned or artificial.
* `{{G4124}}` **pleonexía** (covetousness): Defined as avarice or fraudulency, this is the motivation behind the use of feigned words, showing that the deception is for personal, material gain [[2 Peter 2:3]].
* `{{G1710}}` **emporeúomai** (make merchandise): Meaning to trade or to buy and sell, this word describes the action taken with the feigned words. It shows how false teachers treat people as commodities for their own profit [[2 Peter 2:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4112}}` is concentrated in its warning against spiritual deception.
* **Artificial Doctrine:** The word highlights the danger of teachings that are "moulded" by human hands for a specific, deceitful purpose, contrasting them with authentic divine truth.
* **The Sin of Exploitation:** Its use in [[2 Peter 2:3]] directly connects fabricated speech with the sin of `covetousness` `{{G4124}}`. The purpose of these "feigned words" is to exploit the faithful for fraudulent gain.
* **Inevitable Judgment:** The context immediately links the use of `{{G4112}}` to certain `judgment` `{{G2917}}` and `damnation` `{{G684}}`. This underscores the serious spiritual consequences God attaches to the use of artificial and manipulative language in the name of faith.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4112}}` is a highly specific term for something fictitious or false. Though used only once, its appearance in [[2 Peter 2:3]] serves as a potent and focused warning. It illustrates how false teachers, motivated by `covetousness` `{{G4124}}`, use moulded and artificial words to exploit believers. The word stands as a solemn reminder of the importance of genuine expression in faith and the severe judgment that awaits those who trade in falsehood.
TRV