What Does ‘The Son of Man’ Mean? A Biblical Guide to Jesus’s Title
The title ‘Son of Man’ was Jesus’s most common self-designation, emphasizing both His genuine humanity and His divine authority. Rooted in Old Testament prophecy like Daniel 7:13-14, it signifies His role as the prophesied Messiah who would suffer for humanity and ultimately return in glory to judge the world.
When we think of Jesus, many titles come to mind: Lord, Savior, Messiah, and Son of God. But what about the title He used most often for Himself—”the Son of Man”? This name, found over 80 times in the Gospels, often raises questions. It offers a unique window into His dual nature as both fully God and fully human and His overall mission. This title is not just a description of His humanity; it’s a powerful, prophetic claim that links His earthly ministry to His heavenly glory and ultimate authority.
Here at Just Jesus Time, our goal is to illuminate the profound truths of Scripture to strengthen your faith. In this article, we will explore what Jesus truly meant by calling Himself “the Son of Man.” We will see how this title affirms His humble human experience and foreshadows His suffering and resurrection. We’ll also discover how it boldly proclaims His divine power and role as the future Judge, just as He declared, “the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Matthew 9:6).
Join us as we journey through the Scriptures to separate popular perceptions from biblical truth. Our exploration will begin by examining the contexts where Jesus used this crucial title, revealing its rich and layered meaning for every believer.
What did Jesus mean by the son of man?
A Title Affirming His True Humanity (John 1:14)
The title “Son of Man” highlights the profound truth of Jesus Christ’s genuine humanity. Though eternally God, He truly became human. This reality is captured in John 1:14 (NIV): “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
This was no mere appearance; Jesus was fully man. He experienced hunger, thirst, and fatigue, and He knew both joy and sorrow. This shared humanity is vital for our salvation because it allows Him to sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). Furthermore, as the perfect man, He could represent all of humanity before God and offer the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
- He ate, drank, and slept.
- He experienced human emotions.
- He grew in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52).
- He was truly one with us, yet without sin.
A Title Identifying with Humble Suffering (Mark 8:31)
To prepare His disciples, Jesus frequently used the title “Son of Man” when speaking of His coming suffering. The title pointed not to immediate earthly glory but to His path of sacrifice, as stated in Mark 8:31 (NIV): “He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.”
This reveals Jesus’ willingness to embrace humility, coming to serve rather than to be served. His suffering was no accident; it was the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Through His suffering, death, and glorious resurrection, He conquered sin and death, paying the price for our redemption and providing the way for our eternal hope.
Therefore, the title “Son of Man” is directly linked to Jesus’s:
- Rejection by religious leaders.
- Crucifixion on the cross.
- Resurrection on the third day.
A Title Claiming Divine Authority and future Judgment (Matthew 9:6)
While it emphasizes His humanity and suffering, the title “Son of Man” also conveys Jesus’ divine authority. This is most evident in His power to forgive sins. In Matthew 9:6 (NIV), Jesus declares, “But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” He immediately demonstrated this authority by commanding a paralytic to walk, proving His power over both spiritual and physical ailments.
Moreover, the title points to His glorious return, referencing the prophecy in Daniel 7:13-14 of a “son of man” who receives everlasting dominion. By taking this title for Himself, Jesus confirmed His role as the ultimate judge who will return to gather His elect and judge the living and the dead. His authority as Lord over all creation is absolute. [1]
As the “Son of Man,” Jesus possesses the authority to:
- Forgive sins (Matthew 9:6).
- Heal the sick (Matthew 9:6).
- Cast out demons (Matthew 12:28).
- Judge the world (Matthew 25:31-32).
Ultimately, Jesus’ use of “Son of Man” proclaims Him as the divine-human Savior. He is the one who suffered for our sins. He holds all authority. He will return in glory. He is our Lord and only hope.
What does Daniel 7:13 mean by Son of Man?
The Prophetic Vision of a Heavenly Figure
The Book of Daniel offers a profound glimpse into God’s eternal plan, with Daniel 7:13-14 presenting a particularly majestic vision. In it, Daniel saw “one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven.” This figure approached the “Ancient of Days”—God the Father—and was presented before Him.
Packed with significance, this vision portrays a heavenly figure, not an ordinary mortal. This “Son of Man” received authority, glory, and sovereign power, and all peoples, nations, and languages were to worship him. His dominion is everlasting and will not pass away; his kingdom will never be destroyed.
Daniel’s prophecy describes a figure with divine attributes: he comes from heaven, and his rule is both universal and eternal. This vision thus establishes a powerful expectation for a coming Messiah who would be both human-like and supremely divine (Daniel 7:13-14).
- Divine Origin: The “Son of Man” comes “with the clouds of heaven,” highlighting His transcendent, non-earthly nature.
- Divine Authority: He is presented before the Ancient of Days and receives everlasting dominion, showing supreme power.
- Universal Worship: All peoples are to serve Him, confirming His global, unparalleled authority.
How Jesus Fulfilled the Daniel 7 Prophecy
Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled Daniel’s prophetic vision. Throughout the Gospels, he often referred to himself as “the Son of Man.” This was no mere title of humility; it was a deliberate claim to the divine identity foretold in Daniel 7:13.
Consider his words in Matthew 24:30: “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven. He will come with power and great glory.” This declaration directly echoes Daniel’s vision, with Jesus using the same imagery to describe his own future return in glory.
Jesus also asserted this divine authority during his earthly ministry. For example, he claimed the power to forgive sins—a prerogative of God alone (Matthew 9:6)—and taught with an authority the scribes lacked (Matthew 7:29). Ultimately, his resurrection and ascension to the Father, just as Daniel foresaw, confirmed his heavenly origin and divine power.
By using the title “the Son of Man,” Jesus connected his humanity with his divine majesty. This confirmed his role as the prophesied Messiah who would judge the living and the dead and establish an everlasting kingdom (John 5:27).
- Self-Identification: Jesus consistently used “the Son of Man” to refer to Himself, linking His mission to Daniel’s prophecy.
- Future Glory: He spoke of coming on the clouds with power and great glory, fulfilling the exact imagery.
- Divine Judgment: Jesus claimed the authority to judge, a key aspect of the Son of Man’s role in Daniel.
Jesus is the true Son of Man. He is fully human, yet fully divine. He holds all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). This truth strengthens our faith, assuring us of His ultimate victory and eternal reign as our Lord and Savior.
What is the difference between Son of God and Son of Man?
The titles “Son of God” and “Son of Man” reveal distinct yet equally vital aspects of Jesus Christ’s identity. To grasp the profound mystery of who Jesus is, we must understand what these titles mean for His nature and His redemptive mission.
Son of God: Emphasizing His Divine Nature
The title “Son of God” underscores Jesus’s unique divinity, affirming His eternal nature and His direct relationship with God the Father.
- Eternal Existence: Jesus’s life did not begin at his birth in Bethlehem. He has existed with the Father from eternity past (John 1:1-2).
- Divine Authority: As the Son of God, He shares the Father’s authority and power over creation, disease, and death (John 10:30).
- Miraculous Conception: His birth to the Virgin Mary, by the power of the Holy Spirit, demonstrates His divine origin (Luke 1:35).
- Oneness with the Father: Jesus declared His complete unity with God, stating that He is the express image of the Father (Hebrews 1:3).
Throughout the Gospels, many recognized Jesus as the Son of God. For example, demons cried out His true identity (Mark 3:11-12), and Peter made his famous confession: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Ultimately, this title affirms Jesus’s rightful place as the second Person of the Holy Trinity.
Son of Man: Emphasizing His Human Nature and Mission
In contrast, the title “Son of Man” highlights Jesus’s genuine humanity and specific earthly mission. In fact, Jesus used this title for Himself more than any other.
- Incarnation: This title confirms that Jesus became fully human. He experienced hunger, fatigue, sorrow, and temptation—yet remained without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
- Identification with Humanity: By becoming a man, He fully entered the human condition. He willingly shared in our suffering and weakness to rescue us (John 1:14).
- Prophetic Fulfillment: This title also fulfills the ancient prophecy in Daniel 7:13-14, which describes a heavenly figure “like a son of man” who receives everlasting dominion. Jesus is the fulfillment of this vision, acting as both a humble servant on Earth and the future judge of all.
- Redemptive Mission: As the Son of Man, Jesus stated He came “not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). His suffering and death as a man were essential for our salvation.
Therefore, this title reveals Jesus’s profound humility and His purpose to redeem humanity by walking among us and sharing our experience.
Two Titles for One Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ is not two separate beings, but one Person with two distinct natures—fully God and fully man. This foundational Christian doctrine is known as the hypostatic union.
Both titles, “Son of God” and “Son of Man,” are essential to understanding who He is:
- Divine Power and Human Empathy: As the Son of God, He has the power to save. As the Son of Man, He can empathize with our struggles.
- The Perfect Sacrifice: Only a perfect God-Man could live a sinless life and offer Himself as the complete sacrifice for the sins of humanity (Philippians 2:6-8).
- The Bridge Between God and Man: As the God-Man, Jesus stands as the perfect mediator, bridging the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).
In Jesus, “the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Colossians 2:9). The Son of God became the Son of Man so that He could save us. He is our Lord and Savior—fully divine, fully human, and forever exalted at the right hand of the Father.
Is the Biblical Title Related to the Famous Painting?
Understanding ‘The Son of Man’ by René Magritte
René Magritte’s famous 1964 painting, “The Son of Man,” often sparks curiosity. The work by the Belgian surrealist depicts a man in a trench coat and bowler hat, his face almost entirely obscured by a hovering green apple. It is one of his most recognizable pieces [2].
While the title is biblically significant, Magritte’s painting is a work of surrealist art, not a theological statement. Surrealism explores the subconscious and hidden realities, and Magritte himself aimed to create mystery, provoking thought about what is seen versus what is concealed. Therefore, the title “The Son of Man” is an artistic choice reflecting his theme of hidden identity, rather than a direct religious commentary.
In short, the painting is an artist’s exploration of perception and the human experience. Its intention is fundamentally different from the divine revelation associated with Jesus’s scriptural title.
Distinguishing Surrealist Art from Scriptural Truth
In the Bible, the title “Son of Man” is deeply significant, referring directly to Jesus Christ. It speaks volumes about His identity and mission, highlighting His true humanity while also affirming His suffering, authority, and glorious return (Mark 8:31, Matthew 9:6, Daniel 7:13-14). Jesus often used this title for Himself, speaking plainly about who He was.
In contrast, Magritte’s painting embraces ambiguity. By intentionally obscuring the man’s face, it creates a sense of the unknown and leaves the viewer with questions. Biblical truth, however, is not about concealing but revealing. God desires for us to know Him fully, and Scripture clearly reveals Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, removing all doubt about His identity.
Consider these key differences:
- Biblical “Son of Man”: Reveals the true identity of Jesus, affirming His divinity, humanity, and clear purpose to save humanity from sin (John 1:14).
- Magritte’s “The Son of Man”: Explores the theme of hidden identity, questioning perception and focusing on what lies beyond our immediate sight.
The Word of God stands firm and unchanging, providing clear answers that do not rely on artistic ambiguity (Isaiah 40:8). Jesus Himself declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). His identity is not a mystery to be pondered but a reality to be known through Scripture. He is not a figure with a hidden face but the resurrected Lord who offers abundant life to all who believe. Ultimately, Christian faith rests on this revealed truth, not on human interpretations or artistic expressions.
Why Jesus is the True Son of Man
The Perfect Representative for Humanity
Jesus’ title, “the Son of Man,” profoundly affirms His true humanity. By walking among us, He fully experienced human life—including its joy, sorrow, and temptation. Because He did so without succumbing to sin, He is our perfect representative before God.
Jesus truly understands our struggles and knows our weaknesses, yet He lived a life of complete obedience. This sinless life sets Him apart, uniquely qualifying Him to become the spotless Lamb of God.
- His Shared Experience: Jesus fully entered the human condition. He felt hunger and thirst (Matthew 4:2, John 4:7), knew weariness (John 4:6), and wept with those who grieved (John 11:35).
- His Sinless Nature: Despite facing all human temptations, Jesus never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). As a holy and blameless man, His perfect obedience fulfilled God’s righteous requirements (2 Corinthians 5:21).
- His Unrivaled Qualification: Because He was without sin, Jesus alone could represent fallen humanity and serve as the one mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). Through Him, our broken relationship with God is restored, as He provided the perfect obedience where we failed (Romans 5:19).
Therefore, Jesus is the ideal bridge connecting sinful humanity with a holy God. His perfect life and obedience confirm His unique fitness to be the ultimate Son of Man.
The Only Hope for Salvation
The sinless life of Jesus, the Son of Man, is the foundation of our salvation. Since humanity is flawed and separated from God by sin (Romans 3:23), we cannot save ourselves through our own efforts. We require a divine intervention, which is precisely what Jesus provides.
As our perfect representative, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice by willingly laying down His life on the cross. His death was not a defeat but a victorious act of love and atonement that paid the penalty for our sins.
- A Unique Sacrifice: Jesus’ death was a propitiation for our sins (1 John 2:2). No other human, past or present, could fulfill this role. Only the sinless Son of Man could bear the weight of the world’s sin, doing so once for all (Hebrews 10:10).
- Victory Over Death: His resurrection from the dead confirmed His divine power, proving His victory over sin and death (Romans 1:4). The empty tomb stands as the cornerstone of our faith, assuring us of eternal life.
- Exclusive Path to God: There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Through faith in Him, we receive forgiveness and reconciliation with God, which is the core truth of the Gospel.
In conclusion, Jesus, the True Son of Man, is both our perfect representative and our only hope for salvation. Because He died for our sins and rose for our justification, He stands as Lord and Savior—the one in whom we can place our full trust (John 3:16).
Frequently Asked Questions About ‘The Son of Man’
What did Jesus mean by the son of man?
When Jesus called Himself “the Son of Man,” He was using a title rich with meaning. It highlights several key aspects of His identity and mission. First, it emphasizes His complete humanity. Jesus truly became one of us, sharing in our human experience (John 1:14). He felt hunger, joy, sorrow, and pain, just as we do.
Furthermore, the title “Son of Man” identifies Jesus with humble suffering. Instead of seeking earthly power, He willingly chose a path of sacrifice and service (Mark 8:31). This title speaks to His readiness to endure humiliation and death for the sake of our salvation.
However, the title also makes a powerful claim to divine authority and future judgment. As the Son of Man, Jesus had the authority to forgive sins on earth (Matthew 9:6). He also spoke of His eventual return in glory to judge the world (Matthew 25:31-32). In this way, “Son of Man” perfectly captures both His humble humanity and His majestic divinity.
What is the difference between Son of God and Son of Man?
While the titles “Son of God” and “Son of Man” both refer to Jesus, they emphasize different aspects of His unique nature. Understanding this distinction can deepen our appreciation for who He is.
- Son of God: Emphasizing His Divine Nature. This title points directly to His deity. It declares that He is fully God, co-eternal and co-equal with the Father (John 1:1). As the Son of God, He possesses divine attributes like omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. He is the one and only Son, sharing the very nature of God (John 10:30).
- Son of Man: Emphasizing His Human Nature and Mission. This title, which Jesus frequently used for Himself, underscores His complete humanity. It shows that He fully entered our world to experience life as a human being (Philippians 2:7-8). It also connects Him to a prophetic, representative role for all humanity, as seen in the book of Daniel.
Ultimately, these are two titles for one Lord and Savior. Jesus is not half-God and half-man; He is 100% God and 100% man, with two natures perfectly united in one person. This dual nature is essential for His work of salvation. He is the bridge through whom God connected with humanity, and humanity was reconciled to God.
What does Daniel 7:13 mean by Son of Man?
Daniel 7:13 contains a key prophetic vision of “one like a son of man” arriving on the clouds of heaven. In the vision, this figure approaches “the Ancient of Days” and receives everlasting dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will never be destroyed (Daniel 7:13-14). This is clearly a heavenly, authoritative figure, not just an ordinary human.
Jesus directly applied this prophecy to Himself. During His trial before the high priest, when asked if He was the Christ, the Son of God, Jesus declared, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Matthew 26:64). This was an unmistakable claim to the divine authority and eternal kingship foretold in Daniel.
For this reason, Daniel 7:13 is more than an ancient prophecy; it’s a profound revelation of Jesus’ true identity. It affirms His divine sovereignty, His future return, and His eternal reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Why is it important that Jesus was both human and divine?
The dual nature of Jesus – fully God and fully man – is not just a theological idea; it is the very foundation of our salvation and faith. Without both natures, our redemption would be impossible.
- As fully human, He could represent us. As a man, Jesus could perfectly identify with us. He faced our temptations and felt our joys and sorrows, yet remained without sin (Hebrews 4:15). This qualified Him to be our perfect High Priest and representative (Hebrews 2:17), offering Himself as the flawless sacrifice for our sins. Only a human being could serve as a substitute and die on behalf of humanity.
- As fully divine, His sacrifice was perfect and infinite. If Jesus were only a man, His death could not have paid the infinite price for the world’s sin. But because He is God, His sacrifice has infinite value and power. It holds the authority to conquer sin and death forever (Colossians 2:9). This divine power is what makes our forgiveness complete and eternal.
- He is the perfect Mediator. A vast gap exists between a holy God and sinful humanity. As both God and man, Jesus is the only one who can bridge this gap. He is the one mediator between God and mankind (1 Timothy 2:5), giving us access to the Father. His divine nature provides the authority, and His human nature provides the connection that makes reconciliation possible.
In essence, Jesus’ humanity allowed Him to suffer and die for us, while His divinity ensured that His suffering and death were effective and sufficient for all eternity. This wondrous truth is the heart of the Gospel.