From Daniel’s Vision to Christ’s Return: The Son of Man in Scripture

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Among the many titles applied to Jesus in the New Testament—Son of God, Christ, Lord, Rabbi—none is more frequently used by Jesus Himself than “Son of Man.” It appears over 80 times in the four Gospels and is almost exclusively used by Jesus when referring to Himself. Despite its prevalence, this title has often been misunderstood or misrepresented. Some view it as a statement of Jesus’ humanity, others as an apocalyptic identifier rooted in Daniel 7. However, when interpreted carefully within its scriptural context, “Son of Man” is a designation of profound messianic significance that encompasses Jesus’ incarnation, authority, suffering, resurrection, exaltation, and coming in glory.

This article offers an in-depth, biblical analysis of the title “Son of Man,” rooted in the historical-grammatical method of interpretation. It will examine the Old Testament background, the usage of the phrase in the Gospels, and its theological import within the broader redemptive work of Christ.

The Old Testament Background of the Phrase “Son of Man”

The expression “son of man” (ben adam in Hebrew) appears frequently in the Hebrew Scriptures, often as a poetic synonym for “human being.” For example, Psalm 8:4 asks, “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You care for him?” Here the phrase simply refers to human frailty.

However, a significantly different and exalted usage appears in Daniel 7:13-14:
“I kept looking in the night visions,
And behold, with the clouds of heaven
One like a Son of Man was coming,
And He came up to the Ancient of Days
And was presented before Him.
And to Him was given dominion,
Glory and a kingdom,
That all the peoples, nations, and men of every language
Might serve Him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
Which will not pass away;
And His kingdom is one
Which will not be destroyed.”

This passage is critical because it forms the prophetic foundation for the New Testament usage. Unlike the ordinary human usage elsewhere, Daniel 7 presents a “Son of Man” figure who is exalted, preeminent, receives divine authority, and is the object of universal service (pelach, Aramaic: religious reverence). This Son of Man is not merely human—He is a messianic figure with heavenly origin and eschatological dominion.

Jesus’ Usage of “Son of Man” in the Gospels

The title “Son of Man” is used by Jesus in a variety of contexts throughout His ministry. A careful survey reveals three primary categories:

1. The Son of Man in Incarnation and Earthly Ministry

In passages such as Matthew 8:20—“The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head”—and Luke 19:10—“The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost”—Jesus uses the title to refer to His humble, earthly life. This reflects the true humanity of the Messiah, emphasizing His identification with the human condition.

In John 6:62, Jesus asks, “What then if you see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before?” This clearly affirms that the Son of Man preexisted His earthly life. Therefore, when Jesus uses the term in relation to His incarnation, it is not a denial of deity but a declaration of condescension—God taking on human form (cf. Philippians 2:5-8).

2. The Son of Man in Suffering and Atonement

In the passion predictions, Jesus repeatedly refers to His coming betrayal, death, and resurrection using the title “Son of Man”:

Matthew 17:22-23: “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day.”
Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

These texts reveal that the Son of Man came to suffer in accordance with Isaiah 53’s Servant of Jehovah. While “Son of Man” carries glory in Daniel 7, Jesus integrates that glory with the suffering of the cross. The paradox is deliberate: the divine Messiah gains His kingdom through suffering (Hebrews 2:9-10).

3. The Son of Man in Exaltation and Final Judgment

The most powerful use of “Son of Man” by Jesus concerns His return and eschatological authority:

Matthew 24:30: “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky… and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.”
Matthew 25:31-32: “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him.”

This directly recalls Daniel 7. Jesus applies to Himself the identity of the glorified Son of Man who receives dominion from the Ancient of Days and exercises judgment over all nations. It is unmistakable: Jesus claims not only messianic kingship but also divine prerogatives.

At His trial, Jesus declares to the high priest:
“You shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Matthew 26:64).

This statement combines Psalm 110:1 (exaltation to God’s right hand) and Daniel 7:13 (coming on the clouds). The Sanhedrin understood the implications, charging Him with blasphemy. Jesus was not merely claiming to be a man or a prophet—He was claiming to be the glorified, divine Messiah.

Theological Significance of the Title

The title “Son of Man” functions as a comprehensive term for the person and work of Christ. It includes:

His preexistence (John 3:13; 6:62)
His incarnation (Matthew 8:20)
His redemptive suffering (Mark 8:31; 10:45)
His authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:10)
His role as judge (John 5:27; Matthew 25:31)
His future coming in glory (Matthew 24:30; Luke 21:27)

Jesus does not use the title “Son of Man” as a means to avoid claiming divinity. Rather, it is a strategic messianic self-designation that simultaneously conceals and reveals. It ties together the suffering Servant, the humble incarnate one, and the glorious coming King.

It is notable that while others refer to Jesus as “Son of God” or “Messiah,” only Jesus calls Himself “the Son of Man,” suggesting that this title was His preferred means of revealing His identity within the timing and context of His mission.

“Son of Man” vs. “Son of God”

Some attempt to contrast these titles, arguing that “Son of God” denotes deity and “Son of Man” denotes humanity. But this is overly simplistic. In Scripture, “Son of God” refers to Jesus’ divine relationship to the Father, while “Son of Man” refers to His messianic office, which includes His deity, incarnation, suffering, and exaltation.

Daniel 7’s “Son of Man” is a supernatural figure receiving universal worship. Thus, both titles affirm divine truths. The distinction lies in emphasis, not in ontological contradiction. Jesus is both fully God and fully man (John 1:14; Colossians 2:9), and both titles are essential in conveying His nature and mission.

Implications for Eschatology and Judgment

Jesus’ use of “Son of Man” in eschatological contexts has direct implications for future judgment. John 5:27 declares:
“He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.”

The Son of Man will return visibly and personally to judge the world. His first coming was in humility, His second will be in power. The universal dominion prophesied in Daniel 7 will be realized when Christ returns to establish His kingdom (Revelation 11:15; 19:11-16).

Every human being will stand before the Son of Man, either as Redeemer or as Judge. This reinforces the urgency of the Gospel:
“God… has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed” (Acts 17:31).

Conclusion

The title “Son of Man” is one of the most rich and multifaceted designations in all of Scripture. It connects Jesus to humanity, links Him to prophecy, affirms His divine authority, highlights His atoning death, and heralds His future return in glory. Far from being a mere reference to His humanity, it is a messianic and eschatological title with deep theological import.

Jesus’ consistent use of this term was not incidental—it was purposeful. He identified Himself as the prophesied figure of Daniel 7, the one who would receive an everlasting kingdom. This Son of Man came first to serve and give His life as a ransom for many, and He will come again to reign and judge.

Every knee will bow before the Son of Man—not because of an imposed decree, but because He is worthy (Revelation 5:12-13).

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).