Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Son of Man" is a significant title found throughout the Bible, particularly in the Old and New Testaments. It is used in various contexts, often carrying profound theological implications. The phrase appears over 80 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels, and is a key self-designation of Jesus Christ.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, "son of man" is primarily used in the book of Ezekiel, where it appears over 90 times. Here, it is a title God uses to address the prophet Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity in contrast to the divine majesty of God. For example, in
Ezekiel 2:1 , God says, "Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you." This usage underscores the human condition and the role of the prophet as a representative of humanity before God.
The most significant Old Testament reference to the "Son of Man" is found in
Daniel 7:13-14 , where the prophet Daniel has a vision: "In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." This passage is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy, foretelling the coming of a divine figure who will establish an eternal kingdom.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, "Son of Man" is the most frequent title Jesus uses for Himself. It appears in all four Gospels and is central to His identity and mission. The title emphasizes both His humanity and His divine authority. Jesus uses it to describe His earthly ministry, His suffering, and His future return in glory.
1.
Earthly Ministry: Jesus refers to Himself as the Son of Man to highlight His role as the representative of humanity. In
Matthew 8:20 , He says, "Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." This underscores His humility and identification with the human condition.
2.
Suffering and Sacrifice: The title is also associated with Jesus' suffering and sacrificial death. In
Mark 10:45 , Jesus declares, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." This highlights His mission to redeem humanity through His atoning sacrifice.
3.
Future Glory and Judgment: Jesus speaks of the Son of Man in the context of His second coming and final judgment. In
Matthew 24:30 , He states, "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory." This echoes the vision in Daniel and affirms His divine authority and eschatological role.
Theological SignificanceThe title "Son of Man" encapsulates the mystery of the Incarnation, where Jesus is both fully human and fully divine. It affirms His solidarity with humanity while also asserting His unique role as the Messiah and the divine judge. The use of this title by Jesus serves to reveal His identity gradually, inviting His followers to understand the full scope of His mission and the nature of His kingdom.
In summary, the "Son of Man" is a multifaceted title that bridges the Old and New Testaments, revealing the continuity of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. It is a profound expression of His humility, His sacrificial love, and His ultimate authority over all creation.
ATS Bible Dictionary
Son of Mana title of Christ, assumed by himself in his humiliation,John 1:51.
It was understood as a designation of the Messiah, according to Old Testament predictions,Psalm 80:17Daniel 7:13,14; but appears to indicate especially his true humanity or oneness with the human race. It is applies to him more than eighty times in the New Testament.
Greek
3816. pais -- a child, boy, youth... case) a child; specially, a slave or servant (especially a minister to a king; and
by eminence to God) -- child, maid(-en), (
man) servant,
son, young
man.
...223. Alexandros -- Alexander, ason of Simon of Cyrene, also a...
...son of Simon of Cyrene, also a coppersmith, also two Jews NASB Word Usage Alexander
(6). Alexander. From the same as (the first part of) alektor and aner;man-...
5207. huios -- ason
... Word Origin a prim. word Definition ason NASB Word Usage attendants (3), foal
(1),man (1),son (1),son (307), sons (68).son, child, foal....
3128. Manasses -- Manasseh, an Israelite
... Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Manasses Phonetic Spelling: (man-as-sace')
Short Definition: Manasseh Definition: (Hebrew), Manasseh, (a)son of Joseph...
4504. Rhouphos -- "red," Rufus, a Christian at Rome
... fos) Short Definition: Rufus Definition: Rufus, a Christianman in Rome, probably
to be identified with the brother of Alexander andson of Simon of Cyrene....
2128. eulogetos -- well spoken of, ie blessed
... used only of God), blessed (as entitled to receive blessing fromman), worthy of...
blessed") is used of God the Father and Christ (God theSon), showing the is....
Strong's Hebrew
3206. yeled -- child,son, boy, youth... boy, child, fruit,
son, young
man one. From yalad; something born, ie A lad or
offspring -- boy, child, fruit,
son, young
man (one). see HEBREW yalad.
...1127. Ben-geber -- "son of aman," one of Solomon's leaders
... Ben-geber. 1128 . "son of aman," one of Solomon's leaders. Transliteration:
Ben-geber Phonetic Spelling: (ben-gheh'-ber) Short Definition: Ben-geber....
1132. Ben-zocheth -- "son of Zoheth," aman of Judah
... Ben-zocheth. 1133 . "son of Zoheth," aman of Judah. Transliteration: Ben-zocheth
Phonetic Spelling: (ben-zo-khayth') Short Definition: Ben-zoheth....
1135. Ben-chanan -- "son of Hanan," aman of Judah
... 1134, 1135. Ben-chanan. 1136 . "son of Hanan," aman of Judah. Transliteration:
Ben-chanan Phonetic Spelling: (ben-khaw-nawn') Short Definition: Benhanan....
792. Eshbaal -- "man of Baal," ason of Saul
... 791, 792. Eshbaal. 793 . "man of Baal," ason of Saul. Transliteration: Eshbaal
Phonetic Spelling: (esh-bah'-al) Short Definition: Eshbaal....
378. Ish-bosheth -- "man of shame," ason of Saul and king of Isr.
... Ish-bosheth. 379 . "man of shame," ason of Saul and king of Isr.... Word Origin from
ish and bosheth Definition "man of shame," ason of Saul and king of Isr....
583. Enosh -- "man," ason of Seth
... 582, 583. Enosh. 584 . "man," ason of Seth. Transliteration: Enosh
Phonetic Spelling: (en-ohsh') Short Definition: Enosh. Word...
192. Evil Merodak -- "man of Merodach,"son and successor of...
... "man of Merodach,"son and successor of Nebuchadnezzar. Transliteration: Evil Merodak
Phonetic Spelling: (ev-eel' mer-o-dak') Short Definition: Evil-merodach....
1121. ben --son
... postage, X in, + kid, + lamb, (+)man, meet, + mighty, + nephew, old, (+) people, +
rebel, + robber, X servant born, X soldier,son, + spark, + steward...
376. ish --man
... 1),man the men (1),man your husband (1),man's (21),man's are the... 1), sailors*
(1), slanderer* (1), soldiers (1), soldiers* (3), some (8),son* (1), steward...
Library
TheSon ofMan
... THESON OFMAN. This is a title connected with the Lord Jesus in relation to the
earth. Its first occurrence in Psalm 8.fixes its peculiar signification....
TheSon ofMan
... THESON OFMAN. '... Who is thisSon ofMan?'"John 12:34. I have thought
that a useful sermon may be devoted to the consideration...
Note on "TheSon ofMan. "
... Chapter I. Note on "theSon ofMan.".... He describes himself, not as theSon
of Mary, nor as theSon of Abraham, but as theSon ofman....
TheSon ofMan
... Strong Meat for Hungry Souls: The Gospel of St. Mark CHAPTER 2:10 THESON OFMAN.
"TheSon ofman hath power on earth to forgive sins." Mark 2:10 (RV)...
The vision of theSon ofMan.
... THE VISION OF THESON OFMAN. This is essential, for it is directly associated with
the object and purpose of the book.... it is "one like unto theSon ofMan."....
The Mission of theSon ofMan
... The Mission of theSon ofMan. A Sermon (No.204).... "For theSon ofman is
come to seek and to save that which was lost.""Luke 19:10....
TheSon ofMan Glorified.
... Chapter XIII. TheSon ofMan Glorified. We have entered upon the Holy of Holies
of the Gospel history.... Now is theSon ofman glorified....
Christ theSon ofMan.
... V."CHRIST THESON OFMAN. "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven have
nests; but theSon ofman hath not where to lay his head" (Matthew 8:20)....
The Coming of theSon ofMan in Glory.
... Book XII. 29. The Coming of theSon ofMan in Glory. "For theSon ofman
shall come in the glory of His own Father with His angels...
Whether this Proposition is False: "Christ asMan was...
... of God assumedMan to Himself in such a singular and ineffable manner that at the
same time He may be truly and correctly called theSon ofMan, because He...
Resources
Who was James the son of Alphaeus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to kiss the son (Psalm 2:12)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus is God's only begotten son? | GotQuestions.orgSon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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