Son of Man
Daniel 7.13-14
“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
New American Bible Online
The title “Son of Man” first occurred in Daniel 7.13-14. This passage is probably the most important occurrence in the Bible. In this passage, a man comes and he appears to have clouds around him. This man is paraded in and is given power over all by the people. Also, everyone of every language and nation worshipped him. The passage also states that this man’s kingdom will never end and will not be destroyed. This passage is an apocalyptic vision of Daniel that can either be interpreted as the coming of the Kingdom of God or as the Davidic Messiah. This interpretation is both accepted in Judaism and Christianity. But in Christianity, we believe that the "Son of Man" is Jesus, the Messiah. The Jewish people are still awaiting the coming of their Messiah. “Son of Man” is translated as “ben adam” in Hebrew. “Ben adam” simply means “man” or “individual”. In Judaism, God is not human, and a human is not divine. This is contradictory to Christiantity because we believe that Jesus was fully God and fully man. In Christianity, Jesus used the title, “Son of Man”, in many different accounts. He was not given this title but referred to himself as the “Son of Man”. Some of the reasons Jesus might have used this title is because it shows the second coming of man, it shows the human condition of Jesus, and it shows the passion and death of Jesus. Another reason that Jesus might have used this title is because it shows his humanity and his dignity. Jesus Christ is referred to as the “Son of Man” about eighty-one times. Thirty times in Matthew, fourteen times in Mark, twenty five times in St. Luke, and twelve times in John. We only hear “Son of Man” come from the mouth of Jesus. In conclusion, Jewish people believe that "Son of Man" is nothing special while Catholics believe that Jesus is the fulfillment to the vision of Daniel.
Review Questions
1. What is the Hebrew translation of "Son of Man"?
2. Who used the title "Son of Man"?
3. Who gave this person the title "Son of Man"?
4. Why did this person use the title "Son of Man"?
5. The "Son of Man" is thought to be whom?
Still Interested? Check Out the Websites Below!
New Advent.org Debate About Son of Man Claims of Jesus Son of God, Son of Man Evaluation of "Son of Man"
Bibliography
Taylor, Michael J. The Mystery of Suffering and Death. New York: Society of St. Paul, 1973.
New Catholic Encyclopedia, Second Edition., s.v. "Son of Man."
Aherne, Corelius. Son of Man [Online Encyclopedia]. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912, accessed 4 April 2008; available from http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14144a.htm; Internet.
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This site was made for a Freshmen Theology class at St. Louis Univiersity High School in 2008.