“Son of Man” is
the title Jesus used most frequently
when speaking about Himself
in the Gospels.
It is a rich and layered designation
that combines genuine humanity
with exalted authority.
Drawing especially on the vision in Daniel 7,
Jesus employed this title to reveal
both His identification with humanity
and His unique role as
the One who suffers, rises,
and will come again in glory.
In ordinary Hebrew and Aramaic usage, “son of man” could simply mean “human being” or “someone.” It emphasized participation in ordinary human life. At the same time, the title carries a much more specific and exalted meaning because of its appearance in Daniel 7.
When Jesus used the title of Himself, He was not merely saying “I am a human being.” He was claiming a particular identity that His hearers, especially those familiar with the Scriptures, would recognize as highly significant.
Two main Old Testament backgrounds stand behind the title:
Jesus’ use of the title draws especially on the Danielic vision while also affirming His true humanity.
Jesus almost always uses “Son of Man” as a way of speaking about Himself in the third person. The title appears more than 80 times in the Gospels, the vast majority on Jesus’ own lips. Outside the Gospels it is rare (Acts 7:56; Hebrews 2:6; Revelation 1:13; 14:14).
By choosing this title, Jesus could reveal His identity in a way that was both accessible and filled with deeper meaning for those who had ears to hear.
Jesus uses the title “Son of Man” in three primary ways:
1. Earthly Authority and Ministry He claims authority as the Son of Man even during His earthly life — authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:10), authority as Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28), and authority that is exercised in humility and service (Mark 10:45).
2. Suffering, Death, and Resurrection Many sayings speak of the Son of Man being betrayed, suffering, dying, and rising again (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34; Luke 9:22). Jesus links the exalted figure of Daniel 7 with the suffering Servant, showing that the path to glory passes through the cross.
3. Future Coming in Glory Jesus also speaks of the Son of Man coming on the clouds with power and great glory, gathering His elect, and sitting on His glorious throne to judge (Mark 13:26; 14:62; Matthew 25:31). These sayings clearly echo Daniel 7 and point to His return at the end of the age.
The title “Son of Man” holds together truths that might otherwise seem in tension:
In this single title Jesus reveals both the humility of His incarnation and the majesty of His person and work.
“Son of Man” is Jesus’ preferred self-designation and one of the richest titles in the Gospels. It affirms His true humanity, identifies Him with the exalted figure of Daniel 7, and holds together His suffering, resurrection, and future coming in glory. In this title we see both the humility and the majesty of the One who came to seek and to save the lost.