Dictionary of Bible Themes: 2233 Son of Man

2233 Son of Man

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 2000 Jesus Christ » 2200 Jesus Christ, titles and descriptions of » 2233 Son of Man

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.

Sons of men as a term for humanity in general

Human beings are inferior to God

Psalm 115:16 The Hebrew term here translated “man” literally means “sons of men”. Many of the OT references cited in this theme follow this pattern. See also Psalm 11:4; Psalm 33:13-14; Psalm 45:2

Human beings are dependent on God's care

Psalm 8:4 See also Psalm 36:7; Psalm 80:17; Psalm 107:8,15,21,31

Human beings are mortal

Ecclesiastes 9:3 See also Ecclesiastes 3:18-19; Ezekiel 31:14

Human beings are sinful and untrustworthy

Psalm 146:3 See also Psalm 14:2-3 pp Psalm 53:2-3; Micah 5:7

Son of Man as a term for individual men

The sons of Adam

Genesis 4:1-2 “a man” is literally “son of Adam” in Hebrew; Genesis 5:3-4

Ezekiel

Ezekiel 2:1 Ezekiel 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. See also Ezekiel 2:3,6,8; Ezekiel 3:1

Other people

Job 25:6; Daniel 8:17

A son of man as a ruler of God's future kingdom

Daniel 7:13 The Aramaic “one like a son of man” stresses this person's humanity and mysterious identity ; Daniel 7:13-14 He enters God's presence and is given final authority over God's kingdom ; Daniel 7:27 He shares the kingdom with God's people. See also Daniel 7:18 “saints of the Most High” have sometimes been interpreted as angels

Son of Man as a title for Jesus Christ

Used by Jesus Christ to emphasise his humanity and authority

Mark 2:10-11 pp Matthew 9:6 pp Luke 5:24 Mark 8:31 pp Luke 9:22

The Son of Man receives God's kingdom