History and Meaning of "Son of Man"


Though the title “Son of Man” was used often in reference to Jesus, it has deep roots in Hebrew Scriptures. Etymologically the English phrase is a direct translation of the Hebrew title ben adam or the Aramaic bar enas meaning “a man” or “a human individual.” Its uses in the Bible, however, are far deeper than these literal definitions. The first appearance of a Son of Man figure and possibly its most important Old Testament reference is in The Book of Daniel 7:13-14:

"As I watched in the night visions,
I saw one like a human being
coming with the clouds of heaven.
And he came to the Ancient One
and was presented before him.
To him was given dominion
and glory and kingship,
that all people, nations, and languages
should serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not pass away,
and his kingship is one
that shall never be destroyed."

This celestial being was futher developed in Jewish apocalyptic writings like The Book of Enoch or The Book of Ezra and came to be known as the "Son of Man". "Son of Man" was also a prominant title associated with Ezekiel and his prophetic works. Though it did not hold the same divine conotation as in Daniel, it was often used as a human title for Ezekiel when he was addressed by God.

The “Son of Man” took on new meaning as the most common name referring to Jesus in the Gospels. It was here that the term was first related to the Messiah. Interestingly, the title was introduced and used almost exclusively by Jesus himself. It is practically interchangeable with the pronoun “I” in his speech. Jesus openly disliked the title of Messiah but fully accepted and encouraged the use of “Son of Man.” In these references the title has three major meanings. The first refers to Jesus’ power and glory. e.g. Mark 14:62 & John 5:27. This use is possibly the most closely related to the celestial being in Daniel. In front of judges Jesus used this term as a warning to “coming power.” The second reference deals with Jesus’ humble, earthly ministry. e.g. Matthew 17:22, Mark 8:31, & John 3:14. In the third meaning it refers directly to Jesus' coming suffering and death. e.g. Matthew 11:19 & Luke 7:34. “Son of Man” in many references is also closely related to the founding of God’s Kingdom and has special meaning in reference to those chosen by God.

In a different light many also believe that this title is a witness to Jesus’ universal humanness. Where “Son of God” emphasizes Jesus’ divinity, “Son of Man” focuses on Jesus' gift of humility. This reference is more closely tied to the simpler Old Testament reference to “man.” In this case the title is possibly related to the usage in Ezekiel.



Review Questions:

Answers



Web Resources:



Reference Materials:

This is a St. Louis University High Freshman Theology assignment.
Please send any corrections, suggestions, or reccomendations to
David Kuciejczyk-Kernan


Image from www.geocities.com/Heartland/ 7202/gsadvent2.html
1