"Son of Man"
Early Jewish Literature
Author Richard Bauckham ISBN 9780802883261 Binding Trade Paper Publisher WM B. Eerdmans Publishing Company Publication Date July 25, 2023 Size 152 x 229 mmIn pre-Christian Jewish writings, “Son of Man” was not a title, and it certainly did not indicate divinity. It was simply an expression for a man. Yet the term has held considerable interest among scholars of Christology for its use in describing Jesus in the gospels. And among those studying messianism in Second Temple Judaism, consensus about the valences of “Son of Man” in Scripture remains elusive.
In the first volume of this landmark study, Richard Bauckham pushes the conversation forward, explicating the phrase “Son of Man” as it appears in Jewish interpretations of the book of Daniel and in the apocryphal book of 1 Enoch. With philological precision and sensitivity to his sources, Bauckham attunes us to the realities of early Jewish eschatology.
Thorough and comprehensive, “Son of Man,” vol. 1, offers scholars a solid basis for understanding the context of the messiah in the centuries leading up to Jesus. Along with the forthcoming second volume, which parses the meaning of “Son of Man” in the Gospels, Bauckham’s work is essential for understanding one of the most widely used yet misunderstood phrases in the Bible.
“Bauckham offers a robust and distinctive treatment of interpretations of Daniel’s ‘one like a son of man’ in Second Temple Judaism, and in so doing he continues the debate. I look forward to volume 2 of this work.”
The Expository Times
“This first volume presents the relevant Jewish evidence from the Second Temple period in a way that is balanced, learned, and highly usable. For that, all readers stand in the author’s debt.”
Themelios
“Bauckham offers a penetrating exploration of early Jewish literature pertaining to the ‘Son of Man’ phrase that furthers our understanding both of Jewish messianism and the Parables of Enoch.”
CHOICE
“Bauckham’s thorough examination of the use of ‘Son of man’ in early Jewish eschatology significantly advances understanding of this important element of early Christian tradition and establishes a needed foundation for his planned second volume of the set (forthcoming), which will examine the Gospel traditions. . . . Highly recommended.”
“A remarkable scholarly journey, from Daniel 7 through early Jewish interpretations of this chapter to a close analysis of the messianic figure and the historical setting of the Parables of Enoch. Bauckham’s research of the Parables is a major contribution to our understanding of early Jewish tradition.”
—Torleif Elgvin, NLA University College
“Richard Bauckham has written an illuminating and engaging study of the enigmatic phrase ‘the Son of Man’ and associated messianic expectations in early Jewish texts. He takes readers on a fascinating journey into the world of early Jewish apocalyptic thought, investigating an impressive range of literature from the Parables of Enoch to rabbinic interpretations of Daniel 7. By clearly explaining his line of argument and fruitfully engaging with other scholars, Bauckham invites his readers to actively engage with his interpretation of the sources, which makes for an enjoyable reading experience.”
—Cecilia Wassén, Uppsala University
“Richard Bauckham’s volume on ‘Son of Man’ traditions in early Jewish literature is a masterpiece of exegetical inquiry. Bauckham digs deeply into a rich array of texts that interpret Daniel 7:13 (amplified by other scriptural passages) as referring to a human (not divine) figure who has previously lived on earth and whom God is preserving in heaven for an important future role. With a commanding grip on the details and a striking ability to discriminate between them, Bauckham generates innovative, often compelling solutions to issue after issue in each text, with his explanation of the Parables of Enoch being particularly remarkable. Central to this book is the nuanced and authoritative account of the different ways in which the individual texts interact with scriptural passages having a messianic dimension. The volume represents a decisive new beginning for scholarship on the Jewish ‘Son of Man’ and necessitates close examination by anyone interested in this subject.”
—Philip Esler, University of Gloucestershire
Richard Bauckham is professor emeritus at the University of St. Andrews and senior scholar at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. He is a fellow of the British Academy and of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Table of Contents
List of Tables
Preface
List of Abbreviations
Introduction
Part 1: The Parables of Enoch
1.1. Introduction to the Parables of Enoch
1.2. The Messianic Figure (“Son of Man”) in the Parables of Enoch
1.3. The Messianic Figure in the Eschatological Narrative of the Parables of Enoch
1.4. The Identity of “That Son of Man”
1.5. Conclusions on the Messianic Figure in the Parables of Enoch
1.6. The Date of the Parables of Enoch: A Preliminary Discussion
1.7. The Place of Composition of the Parables of Enoch
Part 2: Interpretation of Daniel 7 in Second Temple–Period Judaism
2.1. Introduction to Jewish Interpretations of Daniel 7
2.2. The Greek Versions of Daniel 7
2.3. The Oldest Interpretation of Daniel 7: 4Q246 (4QAramaic
Apocalypse)
2.4. Interpretation of Daniel 7 in Sibylline Oracles Book 5
2.5. Interpretation of Daniel 7 in the Apocalypse of Ezra (4 Ezra)
2.6. A Messiah from the Past in Rabbinic Traditions
2.7. A Context for the Parables of Enoch
2.8. Interpretation of Daniel 7 in the Syriac Apocalypse of Baruch
(2 Baruch)
2.9. Rabbi Aqiva on Daniel 7
2.10. The Significant Absence of Daniel 7 in the Works of Josephus
2.11. Conclusions on Jewish Interpretations of Daniel 7
Bibliography
Indexes