Dictionary of Bible Themes A Hebrew and Aramaic term, often used to mean a human being in general. In the Gospels Jesus Christ uses it to refer to himself in his earthly ministry and his future death, exaltation and coming as judge and Saviour. Psalms 115:16Sons of men as a term for humanity in general Human beings are inferior to God See also Psalms 11:4; 33:13-14; 45:2The Hebrew term here translated "man" literally means "sons of men". Many of the OT references cited in this theme follow this pattern. Psalms 8:4See also Human beings are dependent on God's care Psalms 36:7; 80:17; 107:8,15,21,31Ecclesiastes 9:3 See also Human beings are mortal Ecclesiastes 3:18-19Ezekiel 31:14 Psalms 146:3 See also Human beings are sinful and untrustworthy Psalms 14:2-3Micah 5:7 pp Ps 53:2-3 Genesis 4:1-2Son of Man as a term for individual men The sons of Adam Genesis 5:3-4"a man" is literally "son of Adam" in Hebrew Ezekiel 2:1Ezekiel See also Ezekiel 2:3,6,8; 3:1Ezekiel is called "son of man" 93 times, though this form of address is unique to him in the OT. It may emphasise his remoteness or his humanity. Job 25:6Daniel 8:17 Other people Daniel 7:13A son of man as a ruler of God's future kingdom Daniel 7:13-14The Aramaic "one like a son of man" stresses this person's humanity and mysterious identity Daniel 7:27He enters God's presence and is given final authority over God's kingdom See also Daniel 7:18He shares the kingdom with God's people. "saints of the Most High" have sometimes been interpreted as angels Mark 2:10-11Son of Man as a title for Jesus Christ Used by Jesus Christ to emphasise his humanity and authority Mark 8:31pp Mt 9:6 pp Lk 5:24 Acts 7:56pp Lk 9:22 See also The Son of Man receives God's kingdom Daniel 7:13Mark 14:62 Hebrews 2:6-9 pp Mt 26:64 Psalms 8:4-6pp Lk 22:69 See also 2012 Christ, authority2078 Christ, sonship of 2221 Christ, Son of Man 2375 kingdom of God 2565 Christ, second coming 5001 human race, the 5080 Adam |
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