Biblical Profile: The Son of Man

The Son of Man

The Hebrew and Aramaic idiom “son of man” simply means “human being.” But the majestic yet humble figure in Daniel 7:13-14, who is “like a son of man”—meaning that he looked like a man—also appears to be much more. His exact identity is not specified, but his role is clear: The Most High has appointed him to rule an eternal, universal kingdom that will be over all other nations. He also represents his own people, the holy people of the Most High. They will also share in this son of man’s kingdom over all peoples and nations (see 7:22).

The scene surrounding this son of man indicates his divine characteristics. That he comes “with the clouds of heaven” (7:13) indicates his heavenly origin (cp. Ps 68:4; 97:2; Nah 1:3). The Lord God covered himself with a cloud in the book of Exodus (Exod 19:9). God’s people will be caught up into the clouds (1 Thes 4:17) when Jesus returns as he was received into a cloud at his ascension (Acts 1:9). This son of man receives his kingdom with humility and holiness, not arrogantly grasping after it. He is thus opposite in character to the “little horn” (Dan 7:8).

Jesus identifies himself with this Son of Man (Matt 24:30; 26:24; Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27; John 12:34; see also Acts 7:56; Heb 2:6; Rev 1:13; 14:14). Revelation 1:7 likewise yokes this figure with Jesus Christ, the one who was pierced for our sins. God the Father has given Jesus all authority and power to rule over all things (Dan 7:14; Matt 28:18) and to win people from all the nations and kingdoms of the world (Matt 28:19-20). God’s purpose in calling Abraham was to make a great nation through his people and to bless all nations through him (Gen 12:1-3). Jesus fulfilled this promise.