Bible Dictionary
Son of man
Son of man can refer generally to human beings in their weakness, to the prophet Ezekiel, and especially to Jesus Christ. Applied to Jesus, it emphasizes his true humanity and also recalls Daniel’s promised heavenly ruler.
Definition
“Son of man” can describe humanity generally, especially in its weakness and frailty. It is also a frequent designation for the prophet Ezekiel and, in the New Testament, a distinctive title of Jesus Christ.
Biblical Usage
Applied to Jesus, the title affirms his true humanity, including a true body and rational soul. In the Old Testament it is applied to him in Psalm 80:17 and Daniel 7:13, while the New Testament uses it frequently as his title.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
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.