“In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed” (2 Peter 2:3 NLT).
In a world where modern technology is widely used to create artificial, human-like interactions, this reference to those who invent “fabricated stories “(NIV) may seem all too familiar. This reference is derived from the word plastos in the original language of this passage and serves as the foundation for our modern-day word “plastic.” Thus, we can say that such teachers employ “plastic words” as a tool to ensnare their followers.
In addition to the word “fabricated,” other translations of this passage incorporate the words “deceptive” (NET), “made-up” (CSB), or “feigned” (KJV) to communicate this idea. One source offers a brief, but thorough, analysis of this concept…
“The word translated ‘feigned’ is plastos, from which our word plastic is derived. It properly signifies moulded, [or] formed (as from clay, wax, or stone), From this came the idea of what was formed (in the mind) and related as if true; hence, invented, fabricated, counterfeited, delusive. Feigned words, then, are words which are manufactured by the speaker (or writer) to deceive. They are seemingly useful and profitable (to the unenlightened mind) but they are hollow and useless.” (1)
This has led several commentators to observe that such teachers may use genuine Christian vocabulary, but they don’t use the same dictionary. In other words, false teachers often redefine familiar concepts like “God” or “Christ” in ways that differ from the Biblical definitions of those words. Therefore, a simple question such as “What do you mean by that?” can help uncover such deceptions when speaking with others.
Another author makes use of a courtroom scenario to emphasize this point…
“When attorneys find themselves trying to defend something untrue, they either (1) make a claim that isn’t supported by the evidence, (2) errantly redefine key terms to conform to their argument, or (3) make claims that are logically inconsistent. Listen for these three characteristics… and be ready to point out their errors with gentleness and respect.” (2)
Finally, this verse explains the why such teachers act in this manner: “to get hold of your money.” That desire might be expressed in an effort to sell merchandise, build an audience, or commercialize their endeavors in various ways. While it is good and appropriate for ministries to make their financial needs known in a respectful, God-honoring manner, there is no place for greed, coercion, or manipulation in the pursuit of financial support.
(1) Bruce Oberst, Letters From Peter. College Press, Joplin, Missouri, Copyright 1962 pg. 162
(2) Wallace, J. W. (2017). Forensic Faith. pg. 187