The Son of man in Psalm 8 is Jesus Christ. While the psalm initially reflects on humanity's exalted position and dominion over creation, its ultimate and complete fulfillment, particularly concerning the "Son of man" and humanity's glory, is found in Jesus.
Psalm 8 is recognized as a profound kingly psalm that connects deeply with the narrative of creation and the early chapters of Genesis. Throughout biblical tradition, the Psalms are viewed as a comprehensive book that narrates the story of Christ, with each psalm contributing to His overarching narrative in some manner. Psalm 8 specifically foreshadows the perfect human who would perfectly exercise dominion and be crowned with glory.
The Prophetic Significance of "Son of Man"
The phrase "Son of man" (Hebrew: ben adam) in Psalm 8:4 asks, "What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" While it broadly refers to humanity, its application transcends the general human experience to point to a specific individual who fully embodies its meaning.
Christ's Fulfillment in the New Testament
The New Testament explicitly interprets Psalm 8 as referring to Jesus:
- Hebrews 2:6-9: This passage directly quotes Psalm 8:4-6 and applies it to Jesus, explaining how He was made "a little lower than the angels" for a time through His incarnation and suffering, ultimately being "crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death." This demonstrates that Jesus is the true "Son of man" who perfectly fulfills the psalm's vision of humanity's appointed glory and dominion.
- Jesus's Self-Designation: Jesus frequently referred to Himself as the "Son of Man" throughout the Gospels. This title underscored both His true humanity and His divine authority as prophesied in Daniel 7:13-14, connecting Him to a figure of ultimate dominion and judgment.
Why Jesus is the Son of Man in Psalm 8
| Aspect of Psalm 8 | General Humanity (Initial View) | Jesus Christ (Ultimate Fulfillment) |
|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness/Care | God's amazing condescension to flawed humans | God's perfect love manifested in the Incarnation of His Son |
| Made Lower Than Angels | Humanity's humble, mortal existence | Jesus's voluntary humiliation (incarnation) to redeem humanity |
| Crowned with Glory & Honor | Humanity's potential and God-given dominion | Jesus's resurrection, ascension, and exaltation as Lord of all |
| Dominion Over Creation | Mankind's stewardship, often marred by sin | Jesus's perfect authority and restorative power over all things |
Jesus perfectly embodies the kingly reign and restoration of creation implied in Psalm 8. As the ideal "Son of man," He restores what humanity lost through sin, exercising flawless dominion and ultimately bringing all things under His feet. His identification with humanity through His incarnation, suffering, death, and resurrection ensures that He, and He alone, is the ultimate fulfillment of Psalm 8's prophetic declaration.
For further exploration of the "Son of Man" title in biblical context, consider examining its usage across the New Testament and its Old Testament roots in prophecies like Daniel 7.
