What signifies the Son of Man?

I. Introduction

The phrase “Son of Man” appears frequently in both the Old and New Testaments. In various contexts, it underscores themes of humanity, divine authority, and messianic identity. While at times the phrase simply highlights a human being’s frailty (as seen in the Old Testament use addressing prophets), it also carries profound meaning in referring to a glorious figure vested with divine authority. This entry explores its meanings, biblical foundations, and significance.

II. Old Testament Foundations

A. General Usage

In Hebrew Scripture, “son of man” can denote a human or mortal (e.g., Psalm 8:4). Ezekiel is repeatedly addressed as “son of man” to emphasize his role as a human prophet before a holy God (Ezekiel 2:1). This usage underscores human limitation contrasted with God’s sovereignty.

B. Vision in Daniel

In Daniel 7:13–14, the prophet sees “One like a son of man” who “was given authority, glory, and sovereign power.” This figure approaches the Ancient of Days and receives everlasting dominion. This passage introduces a vision of a heavenly being who also appears as truly human, pointing forward to the Messiah’s divine kingship.

C. Support from Archaeological Discoveries

The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the mid-20th century at Qumran, preserve fragments of Daniel that closely match the traditional Hebrew text. These scrolls, dated to roughly the second century BC, affirm the reliability of the Danielic text and support the historical foundation of the “son of man” motif as an important expectation of a coming Messiah.

III. The Son of Man in the Gospels

A. Jesus’ Self-Designation

In the New Testament, Jesus often refers to Himself as “the Son of Man.” Mark 2:10 shows Him saying, “But so you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…” This self-reference occurs nearly eighty times in the Gospels, highlighting both Jesus’ identification with humanity and His divine authority.

B. Authority and Mission

Many Gospel texts link “the Son of Man” with redemptive work. In Matthew 20:28, He says “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life.” This frames His crucifixion and resurrection as central to salvation, aligning with the Old Testament’s portrayal of a heavenly figure given ultimate dominion yet taking on human frailty to redeem humankind.

C. Suffering and Resurrection

When predicting His death and resurrection, Jesus uses the title “Son of Man.” Luke 9:22 records Him saying “The Son of Man must suffer many things… and on the third day be raised to life.” The resurrection, a validated historical event testified by early manuscript evidence and corroborated by multiple eyewitness accounts, stands as a pinnacle demonstration of the Son of Man’s divine identity and triumph over death.

D. Second Coming

The title “Son of Man” also ties to end-times prophecies. In Matthew 24:30, we read, “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven…” His return as judge and king fulfills the promise of Daniel’s vision that the Son of Man is invested with everlasting dominion and will establish His kingdom in the fullness of time.

IV. Theological Significance

A. Humanity and Deity

The “Son of Man” title points to Jesus’ genuine humanity—He truly walked among us and experienced human needs. Yet grounded in Daniel’s prophecy, it also showcases His divine identity: He shares in God’s eternal reign. This dual emphasis is a cornerstone of Christian theology, explaining how Jesus bridges humanity and divinity.

B. Redemptive Role

By using “Son of Man” of Himself, Jesus underscores that He identifies with humankind’s plight and redeems it through His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection. As fully human, He can stand in humanity’s place; as fully God, His sacrifice is sufficient for all who believe, offering atonement and reconciling us to God (Romans 5:10–11).

C. Continuity of Scripture

From Daniel’s vision to the words of Christ, the theme of a divine-human figure is consistent. Modern historical research, early manuscript evidence, and numerous archaeological finds (such as the Dead Sea Scrolls preserving the Messianic expectations within Judaism) support the view that there is no contradiction in how Scripture presents the Messiah.

D. Implications for Believers

Embracing Jesus as the Son of Man acknowledges His full authority and His nearness to humanity. It calls believers to respond in faith, recognizing that He alone provides atonement for sin, and to live in the hope of His promised return. This title assures believers that God has intimately stepped into human history and will one day consummate His kingdom, affirming a comprehensive biblical worldview that is both spiritually transformational and consistent with the entire canon of Scripture.

V. Conclusion

In Scripture, “the Son of Man” characteristically denotes a figure who is both fully human and endowed with divine authority. Prophetic foundations in Daniel reveal Him as a heavenly being destined to rule eternally. The Gospels identify Jesus as this figure, showing that He took on human nature, offered Himself for humanity’s redemption, rose from the dead, and will come again in glory. From Old Testament visions to New Testament fulfillment, the phrase “Son of Man” underscores God’s plan of salvation, rooting Jesus’ identity in both His nearness to human weakness and His exalted dominion over all creation.