Plasma (πλάσμα) means a thing formed, a molded object, a figure. It comes from the verb plasso (G4111, to form or mold), which is used of a potter shaping clay. In its NT usage, plasma refers to the created being in relation to its Creator — the thing formed by the hand of the artisan or, theologically, by the hand of God.
In Romans 9:20, Paul uses plasma to make a profound argument about divine sovereignty: "Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?'" This echoes Isaiah 29:16 and 45:9, where the prophet rebukes those who question God's purposes. The potter-clay metaphor is central to biblical theology — it establishes the fundamental relationship between Creator and creature. The plasma (formed thing) has no right to question the plastes (former). This word reinforces human humility before divine sovereignty: we are not self-made but God-formed, and His purposes in shaping us are beyond our right to challenge. The image also carries comfort — the same Potter who formed us did so with intention, purpose, and love.