What does the Son of Man Mean in the Bible?

Introduction

The term "Son of Man" is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, appearing in different contexts with various meanings. From the prophetic visions of Daniel and the ministry of Ezekiel to the life and teachings of Jesus, the Son of Man holds a significant place in the biblical narrative. In this comprehensive blog post, we will delve into the meaning of the Son of Man in the Bible, exploring its significance in various contexts, the prophecies associated with it, and its multifaceted role in the New Testament.

The Son of Man in the Old Testament

Daniel's Vision (Daniel 7:13-14)

In the book of Daniel, the term "Son of Man" appears in the context of a prophetic vision that the prophet Daniel receives. This vision portrays a cosmic conflict between the beasts, which represent earthly kingdoms, and the "Ancient of Days," who represents God. In this vision, Daniel sees a figure who is distinct from the human kingdoms and is intimately connected with God's divine rule. The full quote of Daniel 7:13-14 is as follows:

"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 nations and peoples 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."

The Son of Man in Daniel's vision is portrayed as a heavenly figure who is granted authority, glory, and sovereign power by the Ancient of Days. This figure stands in contrast to the earthly kingdoms represented by the beasts, and his kingdom is described as everlasting and indestructible.

The literary context of the book of Daniel is essential to understanding the significance of the Son of Man in this passage. Daniel is written during a time of great upheaval and persecution for the people of Israel, who are struggling to maintain their faith in the face of oppressive foreign rule. The visions in Daniel, including the one featuring the Son of Man, serve as a source of hope and encouragement for the Jewish people, assuring them that God remains in control of history and will ultimately establish His everlasting kingdom.

By including the Son of Man in his prophetic vision, Daniel emphasizes the divine intervention that will take place in the midst of human history. The Son of Man is presented as a figure who will act on behalf of God's people, bringing about their ultimate deliverance and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. This powerful imagery would have resonated deeply with Daniel's original audience and continues to hold significance for readers today as we seek to understand the role of the Son of Man in the broader biblical narrative.

The Son of Man vs. The Beasts of the Earth

The portrayal of the ruler of God's kingdom as a "son of man" and the rulers of the nations as “beasts” holds deep significance in the biblical narrative. This contrast echoes themes found in Genesis 1-3, where humanity is created in the image of God, while the serpent, who opposes God's rule, is portrayed as a beast. By using these images, the biblical authors draw a clear distinction between the divine order and the corrupt rule of earthly powers.

In Genesis 1-3, Adam and Eve are created in the image of God, signifying their unique role as God's representatives on earth, called to exercise dominion over creation. This idea of ruling with God over creation is a central aspect of the biblical understanding of humanity's purpose. However, the entrance of sin through the serpent's deception leads to a distortion of this divine image, as humanity becomes alienated from God and His original design.

The Son of Man in Daniel's vision can be seen as a restoration of this divine image and the fulfillment of humanity's original calling to rule with God over creation. As the Son of Man is granted authority, glory, and sovereign power by the Ancient of Days, he represents a figure who embodies the divine rule that was intended for humanity from the beginning. This contrasts sharply with the rulers of the nations, who are depicted as beasts, symbolizing the corruption and chaos that result from human rebellion and the rejection of God's rule.

By presenting the Son of Man as the ruler of God's kingdom, the biblical authors emphasize the importance of living in alignment with God's will and purpose for humanity. The Son of Man points us back to the original intent of ruling with God over creation, reminding us of our potential for participating in the divine order when we align ourselves with God's purposes. Moreover, this portrayal of the Son of Man foreshadows the coming of Jesus, who as the perfect embodiment of the divine image, fulfills humanity's original calling and inaugurates a new creation where God's rule is fully realized.

The Role of Ezekiel

The prophet Ezekiel is frequently referred to as the "son of man" throughout his ministry. In this case, the term serves as a reminder of his human nature and the divine authority he carries as a spokesman for God. It emphasizes the contrast between the frailty of humanity and the power of the divine message Ezekiel proclaims.

Jesus as the Son of Man

Jesus repeatedly refers to Himself as the Son of Man. By claiming this title, Jesus aligns Himself with the prophetic figure from Daniel's vision and emphasizes His dual nature as both human and divine. Moreover, this title highlights His role as the long-awaited Messiah, who would bring about the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. In Matthew 16:13, Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" This question underscores the importance of recognizing Jesus as the Son of Man and the implications of this title.

Biblical Verses Supporting Jesus as the Son of Man

Matthew 20:28

"The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."

Mark 14:62

"And Jesus said, 'I am; and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.'"

Luke 19:10

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

John 3:13

"No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man."

The Multifaceted Role of the Son of Man in the New Testament

The Suffering Servant

The Son of Man is portrayed as the suffering servant who would give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Jesus fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 53, where the suffering servant bears the sins of humanity and brings healing through His suffering and death.

The Divine Judge

As the Son of Man, Jesus will act as the ultimate judge of humanity, separating the righteous from the unrighteous and determining their eternal destinies. This judgment will be based on their response to the Gospel and their actions towards others, as illustrated in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46).

The One Who Has Authority to Forgive Sins

In Mark 2:10, Jesus demonstrates His divine authority as the Son of Man by forgiving the sins of a paralyzed man: "But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…" This incident highlights the unique role of Jesus as the Son of Man who has the power to forgive sins, offering hope and restoration to those who turn to Him in faith.

The Revealer of Heavenly Truths

As the Son of Man, Jesus is the ultimate revealer of heavenly truths. In John 3:11-13, Jesus explains to Nicodemus the need for spiritual rebirth and emphasizes His unique role in conveying divine knowledge: "No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man." By claiming this title, Jesus underscores His role as the mediator between God and humanity, making the divine mysteries accessible to all who believe in Him.

The Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies

The Son of Man is the fulfillment of numerous Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah. For example, His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Zechariah 9:9) and His role in the final judgment (Daniel 7:13-14) both point to the Son of Man as the long-awaited Savior who would bring redemption and restoration to God's people.

Conclusion

The term "Son of Man" holds a multifaceted significance in the Bible, representing a powerful figure who embodies both human and divine attributes. From the prophetic visions of the Old Testament to the life and teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, the Son of Man serves as a central figure in God's redemptive plan. By understanding the various roles and significance of the Son of Man in the biblical narrative, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex and beautiful story of God's love for humanity and the eternal hope that Jesus offers to all who believe in Him.