Son of man

Son of man - (Easton's Bible Dictionary)

(1.) Denotes mankind generally, with special reference to their weakness and frailty (Job 25:6; Ps. 8:4; 144:3; 146:3; Isa. 51:12, etc.).

(2.) It is a title frequently given to the prophet Ezekiel, probably to remind him of his human weakness.

(3.) In the New Testament it is used forty-three times as a distinctive title of the Saviour. In the Old Testament it is used only in Ps. 80:17 and Dan. 7:13 with this application. It denotes the true humanity of our Lord. He had a true body (Heb. 2:14; Luke 24:39) and a rational soul. He was perfect man.

Definition

The title “Son of Man” was used by Jesus to refer to himself. He often used this term instead of saying “I” or “me.”

• In the Bible, “son of man” could be a way of referring to or addressing a man. It could also mean “human being.”
• Throughout the Old Testament book of Ezekiel, God frequently addressed Ezekiel as “son of man.” For example he said, “You, son of man, must prophesy.”
• The prophet Daniel saw a vision of a “son of man” coming with the clouds, which is a reference to the coming Messiah.
• Jesus also said that the Son of Man will be coming back someday on the clouds.
• These references to the Son of Man coming on the clouds reveal that Jesus the Messiah is God.

Translation Suggestions

• When Jesus uses the term “Son of Man” it could be translated as “the One who became a human being” or “the Man from heaven.”
• Some translators occasionally include “I” or “me” with this title (as in “I, the Son of Man”) to make it clear that Jesus was talking about himself.
• Check to make sure that the translation of this term does not give a wrong meaning (such as referring to an illegitimate son or giving the wrong impression that Jesus was only a human being).
• When used to refer to a person, “son of man” could also be translated as “you, a human being” or “you, man” or “human being” or “man.”

(See also: heaven, son, Son of God, Yahweh)

Bible References

• Acts 7:56
• Daniel 7:14
• Ezekiel 43:6-8
• John 3:12-13
• Luke 6:5
• Mark 2:10
• Matthew 13:37
• Psalms 80:17-18
• Revelation 14:14

Word Data

• Strong’s: H0120, H0606, H1121, H1247, G04440, G52070