Includes bibliographical references (pages 126-161) and indexes.

Preface -- List of abbreviations -- Introduction -- Genealogical interpretation --The human Son of Man -- The apocalyptic/messianic Son of Man -- The question of reference -- The question of authenticity -- Miscellaneous sons of men -- Exit the apocalyptic Son of Man? -- The idiomatic/nontitular son of man -- Son of Man in apocalyptic and rabbinic texts -- Conclusions -- Appendix: Surveys of research on "the Son of Man" -- List of references -- Index of passages --Index of authors -- Index of subjects.

"The expression "Son of Man," used in the Gospels almost exclusively by Jesus, has been the subject of intensive study since the Protestant Reformation, yet scholars have come to no agreement on its origin or meaning. Delbert Burkett's book provides a comprehensive historical overview of the debate from the patristic period to 1996, evaluates the various theories, and summarizes the present state of the question. Burkett concludes that despite nineteen centuries of "Son of Man" study there is no consensus concerning the meaning or origin of the expression; the debate is therefore a prime example of the limits of New Testament scholarship."--Jacket.