Topical Encyclopedia The term "Son of Man" is a significant title found throughout the Bible, particularly in the Old and New Testaments. It is used in various contexts, often carrying profound theological implications. The phrase appears over 80 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels, and is a key self-designation of Jesus Christ.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, "son of man" is primarily used in the book of Ezekiel, where it appears over 90 times. Here, it is a title God uses to address the prophet Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity in contrast to the divine majesty of God. For example, in Ezekiel 2:1 , God says, "Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you." This usage underscores the human condition and the role of the prophet as a representative of humanity before God. The most significant Old Testament reference to the "Son of Man" is found in Daniel 7:13-14 , where the prophet Daniel has a vision: "In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." This passage is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy, foretelling the coming of a divine figure who will establish an eternal kingdom. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, "Son of Man" is the most frequent title Jesus uses for Himself. It appears in all four Gospels and is central to His identity and mission. The title emphasizes both His humanity and His divine authority. Jesus uses it to describe His earthly ministry, His suffering, and His future return in glory. 1. Earthly Ministry: Jesus refers to Himself as the Son of Man to highlight His role as the representative of humanity. In Matthew 8:20 , He says, "Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." This underscores His humility and identification with the human condition. 2. Suffering and Sacrifice: The title is also associated with Jesus' suffering and sacrificial death. In Mark 10:45 , Jesus declares, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." This highlights His mission to redeem humanity through His atoning sacrifice. 3. Future Glory and Judgment: Jesus speaks of the Son of Man in the context of His second coming and final judgment. In Matthew 24:30 , He states, "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory." This echoes the vision in Daniel and affirms His divine authority and eschatological role. Theological Significance The title "Son of Man" encapsulates the mystery of the Incarnation, where Jesus is both fully human and fully divine. It affirms His solidarity with humanity while also asserting His unique role as the Messiah and the divine judge. The use of this title by Jesus serves to reveal His identity gradually, inviting His followers to understand the full scope of His mission and the nature of His kingdom. In summary, the "Son of Man" is a multifaceted title that bridges the Old and New Testaments, revealing the continuity of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. It is a profound expression of His humility, His sacrificial love, and His ultimate authority over all creation. ATS Bible Dictionary Son of Mana title of Christ, assumed by himself in his humiliation, John 1:51. It was understood as a designation of the Messiah, according to Old Testament predictions, Psalm 80:17 Daniel 7:13,14; but appears to indicate especially his true humanity or oneness with the human race. It is applies to him more than eighty times in the New Testament. Greek 3816. pais -- a child, boy, youth ... case) a child; specially, a slave or servant (especially a minister to a king; and by eminence to God) -- child, maid(-en), (man) servant, son, young man. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3816.htm - 7k 223. Alexandros -- Alexander, a son of Simon of Cyrene, also a ... 5207. huios -- a son 3128. Manasses -- Manasseh, an Israelite 4504. Rhouphos -- "red," Rufus, a Christian at Rome 2128. eulogetos -- well spoken of, ie blessed Strong's Hebrew 3206. yeled -- child, son, boy, youth... boy, child, fruit, son, young man one. From yalad; something born, ie A lad or offspring -- boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one). see HEBREW yalad. ... /hebrew/3206.htm - 6k 1127. Ben-geber -- "son of a man," one of Solomon's leaders 1132. Ben-zocheth -- "son of Zoheth," a man of Judah 1135. Ben-chanan -- "son of Hanan," a man of Judah 792. Eshbaal -- "man of Baal," a son of Saul 378. Ish-bosheth -- "man of shame," a son of Saul and king of Isr. 583. Enosh -- "man," a son of Seth 192. Evil Merodak -- "man of Merodach," son and successor of ... 1121. ben -- son 376. ish -- man Library The Son of Man The Son of Man Note on "The Son of Man. " The Son of Man The vision of the Son of Man. The Mission of the Son of Man The Son of Man Glorified. Christ the Son of Man. The Coming of the Son of Man in Glory. Whether this Proposition is False: "Christ as Man was ... Resources Who was James the son of Alphaeus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to kiss the son (Psalm 2:12)? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that Jesus is God's only begotten son? | GotQuestions.org Son: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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