Who is referred to as "son of man" in Ezekiel?

Historical and Literary Context

Ezekiel, a prophet exiled in Babylon during the sixth century BC (approximately 593–571 BC), occupies a pivotal place among the Major Prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures. In the text preserved under his name, a distinct phrase appears repeatedly—“son of man.” Throughout this book, the designation aligns with Ezekiel’s role as a human messenger assigned to communicate divine oracles.

The Book of Ezekiel is unique in its frequent use of symbolic visions, allegorical prophecies, and direct word from God, calling the prophet into extraordinary encounters (Ezekiel 1:1–3). Within those messages, God addresses the prophet as “son of man” almost one hundred times, setting a tone of both authority and humility.

Meaning of the Phrase “Son of Man” in Ezekiel

The original Hebrew phrase translated as “son of man” is “ben adam” (בֶּן אָדָם). Literally, it means “human being” (or “descendant of Adam,” the first man, as recounted in Genesis). This expression underscores Ezekiel’s humanity in contrast to the divine majesty of God.

A clear illustration comes from the very beginning of the prophet’s commission:

“He said to me, ‘Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.’” (Ezekiel 2:1)

Here, the focus is on God’s sovereignty and the prophet’s position as a mortal instrument.

Frequency and Significance

This address, “son of man,” appears more than 90 times in Ezekiel (e.g., Ezekiel 2:3, 2:6, 11:2, 12:2, 24:2, 33:2, 37:3). That repetition reinforces several key ideas:

1. Human Limitation: Each use of “son of man” stresses that Ezekiel’s abilities and authority derive solely from God’s empowerment.

2. Prophetic Calling: The phrase reminds the reader that God selected a human to speak His counsel to His people—thus revealing God’s desire to communicate through a relatable, mortal agent.

3. Divine Contrast: It highlights the separation between the Creator and the creation, affirming God’s transcendence while underlining Ezekiel’s reliance upon God’s revelation.

Comparison with Other Scriptural Uses

Although the title “son of man” is used in various contexts elsewhere in Scripture (notably in Daniel 7:13, and throughout the Gospels referring to Jesus), the Book of Ezekiel’s usage is distinct. In Daniel’s vision, “one like a son of man” comes on the clouds of heaven, a clear messianic prophecy viewed by later Christian writings as pointing to Jesus (Matthew 26:64). In the Gospels, Jesus employs “Son of Man” as a title for Himself, emphasizing both His humanity and His divine authority.

In Ezekiel, however, the phrase applies strictly to the prophet as a mortal messenger. While the scope differs, both applications (to Ezekiel and to the Messiah) underscore the importance of a divinely appointed human representative who embodies, reveals, or conveys God’s message and sovereignty.

Theological Implications

The designation of Ezekiel as “son of man” carries several theological themes:

• Human Responsibility: The prophet is accountable for delivering God’s messages accurately (Ezekiel 33:7–9). In this role, Ezekiel becomes a clear example of obedience under divine command.

• Reliance on Divine Revelation: The repeated commissioning and instructions remind readers that any insight the prophet offers originates from God, rather than from the prophet’s personal prowess or learning (Ezekiel 3:16–21).

• Elevation of God’s Word: Emphasizing Ezekiel’s mortality draws attention to the supernatural authority and reliability of God’s message. The focus remains on God’s redeeming plan, of which Ezekiel is simply a conduit.

Evidence of Original Wording and Consistency

Ancient manuscripts, including early portions of the writings now found in the Masoretic Text, and fragments discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls, preserve Ezekiel’s frequent “son of man” references with remarkable consistency. Scholars studying Hebrew manuscript traditions highlight how scribes guarded the prophet’s precise wording, ensuring that this distinctive address remained integral to the text. Such textual fidelity points to Ezekiel’s message being held in high regard among the exiled community and later generations.

Conclusion

In the Book of Ezekiel, “son of man” unequivocally refers to the prophet Ezekiel himself. The recurrent designation emphasizes his full humanity and his role as a chosen vessel to carry forth God’s message of judgment, hope, and restoration to the people of Israel in exile. While the phrase is used differently in other biblical writings—especially with messianic connotations—the immediate reference in Ezekiel highlights the prophet’s identity as a mortal spokesman under sovereign commission.

The effect is a juxtaposition of God’s overwhelming glory and transcendent authority with the prophet’s humble station, illustrating that divine revelation often comes through everyday people entrusted with a sacred mandate.