Son
Summary
A term used in Scripture not only for immediate offspring but with great variety and latitude to express descent, relationship, character, nationality, discipleship, and spiritual condition.
☩Literal and Extended Usage
The Hebrew word ben (son) derives from the root meaning "to build," signifying that children build up a family. Beyond immediate offspring, the term encompasses grandsons, remote descendants, sons-in-law, and adopted sons. "Sons of Israel" refers to the nation descending from Jacob, while "son of Nahor" may designate a grandson like Laban. Age is expressed through the phrase "son of" a number of years, as in "son of one year" meaning one year old.
☩Figurative Applications
Scripture uses "son" figuratively to indicate character and disposition. "Sons of Belial" describes worthless, unrestrainable persons; "sons of the mighty" denotes heroes; "sons of disobedience" characterizes those who live in rebellion against God. Products or outcomes are similarly described: an arrow is "son of the bow," sparks are "sons of the burning coal," and threshed grain is "son of the floor." This metaphorical usage extends to moral qualities: "son of death" means deserving death, while "son of perdition" indicates one destined for destruction.
☩Sons of God
The title "Son of God" applies in Scripture to angels, to Adam as created directly by God, to the nation of Israel as God's chosen people, to kings of Israel as representatives of the nation, and preeminently to Jesus Christ as the only-begotten Son. Christians are called sons of God through faith and adoption, possessing principles communicated by the Holy Spirit that gradually conform them to God's image. The distinction between "children" (teknon) and "sons" (huios) in the Greek New Testament is significant: "children" emphasizes the new birth and generation from God, while "sons" expresses the height of God's calling and intelligent participation in His purposes.
Related Verses2643 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Son," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Son," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 3.George Morrish, "Son," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).