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What Did Jesus Mean by Calling Himself the “Son of Man”?

What Did Jesus Mean by Calling Himself the “Son of Man”? 

Introduction

One of the most frequent titles Jesus used for Himself in the Gospels is “the Son of man.” This phrase appears over 80 times in the King James Version (KJV) New Testament and is used almost exclusively by Jesus when referring to Himself. Yet, despite its frequency, its meaning is often misunderstood.

At first glance, “Son of man” might seem to emphasize Jesus’ humanity. However, a deeper examination of the Hebrew Scriptures reveals that the title carries profound theological significance, combining themes of humanity, authority, suffering, and divine exaltation.

This article explores what Jesus meant by calling Himself the “Son of man,” examining its Old Testament background, its usage in the Gospels, and its theological implications.

1. The Phrase “Son of Man” in the Hebrew Scriptures

To understand Jesus’ use of the title, we must first examine its background in the Hebrew Bible.

1.1 A General Term for Humanity

In many passages, “son of man” simply means “human being.”

For example, in Psalm 8:4 (KJV):

“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?”

Here, the phrase emphasizes human frailty and insignificance compared to God’s greatness.

1.2 Ezekiel: “Son of Man” as a Prophetic Title

In the book of Ezekiel, God repeatedly addresses the prophet as “son of man” (over 90 times). This usage highlights:

  • Human limitation

  • The prophet’s role as a representative of humanity

  • The contrast between God’s glory and human weakness

2. The Key Passage: Daniel 7

The most important background for Jesus’ use of the title is found in Daniel 7.

Daniel 7:13–14 (KJV):

“I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven… And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom…”

This figure is:

  • Human-like (“like the Son of man”)

  • Exalted (“with the clouds of heaven”)

  • Given authority, glory, and an everlasting kingdom

This passage is crucial because it combines humanity with divine authority.

3. Why Jesus Chose the Title

Jesus’ use of “Son of man” is deliberate and strategic.

3.1 A Title Rich in Meaning

Unlike titles such as “Messiah” or “King,” which carried strong political expectations, “Son of man” was less commonly used and allowed Jesus to define His mission on His own terms.

3.2 A Veiled Yet Revealing Identity

The title reveals His identity to those who understand the Scriptures (especially Daniel 7) while remaining less provocative to those expecting a political deliverer.

4. The Son of Man and Authority

Jesus uses the title to emphasize His authority.

4.1 Authority to Forgive Sins

Mark 2:10 (KJV):

“But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins…”

Forgiving sins is a divine prerogative, yet Jesus claims this authority as the Son of man.

4.2 Lord of the Sabbath

Mark 2:28 (KJV):

“Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.”

This places Him in authority over one of the central institutions of the Law.

5. The Son of Man and Suffering

A surprising aspect of Jesus’ teaching is that the Son of man must suffer.

5.1 Predictions of Suffering

Matthew 17:12 (KJV):

“Even so shall also the Son of man suffer of them.”

Jesus repeatedly connects the title with:

  • Rejection

  • Suffering

  • Death

5.2 A Paradox

This creates a tension:

  • Daniel 7 portrays a glorious, victorious figure

  • Jesus speaks of suffering and death

This suggests that the path to glory involves suffering.

6. The Son of Man and Resurrection

Jesus also links the title to His resurrection.

Matthew 17:9 (KJV):

“Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.”

The Son of man is not only one who suffers but also one who rises again, indicating victory over death.

7. The Son of Man and Future Glory

Jesus frequently speaks of the Son of man in terms of future judgment and glory.

7.1 Coming in Glory

Matthew 24:30 (KJV):

“They shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

This directly echoes Daniel 7.

7.2 Judge of All

Matthew 25:31 (KJV):

“When the Son of man shall come in his glory… then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.”

The Son of man is portrayed as the final judge of humanity.

8. The Dual Nature of the Title

The title “Son of man” holds together two key truths:

8.1 True Humanity

  • Jesus identifies fully with humanity

  • He experiences weakness, suffering, and death

8.2 Exalted Authority

  • He possesses divine authority

  • He reigns with everlasting dominion

This duality makes the title uniquely powerful.

9. Why Not Use Other Titles?

Jesus rarely uses titles like “Son of God” or “Messiah” in the same direct, frequent way.

9.1 Avoiding Misunderstanding

“Messiah” was often associated with political revolution. “Son of man” allowed Jesus to redefine expectations.

9.2 Emphasizing Mission

The title encompasses:

  • Humility

  • Suffering

  • Authority

  • Future glory

No other title captures all these dimensions as effectively.

10. The Reaction of His Audience

In some cases, Jesus’ use of “Son of man” leads to strong reactions.

10.1 The Trial Before the High Priest

Matthew 26:64 (KJV):

“Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.”

This statement, echoing Daniel 7, is understood as a claim to divine authority and leads to charges of blasphemy.

11. Theological Significance

The title “Son of man” is central to understanding Jesus’ identity.

11.1 It Connects Him to the Hebrew Scriptures

Especially Daniel 7, linking Him to the promised ruler with eternal dominion.

11.2 It Defines His Mission

  • To suffer and die

  • To rise again

  • To reign in glory

11.3 It Reveals God’s Plan

The path to kingship is through suffering, and ultimate authority is exercised with justice and righteousness.

Conclusion

What did Jesus mean by calling Himself the “Son of man”?

He was drawing on a rich tapestry of meaning from the Hebrew Scriptures. The title expresses His full identification with humanity while simultaneously pointing to His exalted authority as the one who receives an everlasting kingdom.

It allowed Him to reveal His identity progressively—showing that the promised ruler of Daniel 7 would not only reign in glory but also suffer, die, and rise again.

Thus, the “Son of man” is not merely a statement of humanity; it is a profound declaration of who Jesus is: the suffering servant, the risen one, and the eternal King who will come in glory.

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