If you downloaded the Gospel of Matthew from this web site, you will see that the editors of the Common English Bible made a decision about the translation of a common Semitic idiom, which is found often in the Old Testament and is translated literally into Greek in the New Testament. Nearly all English readers of the Bible don't notice this rendering in the Old Testament, but in the New Testament many churched readers of the Bible are surprised to see a fresh and more accurate translation.

ben adam (Hebrew) or ho huios tou anthropou (Greek) is translated as "human being" (rather than "son of man") except in cases of vocative address, where we render "Human" (instead of "Son of Man" [KJV] or "Mortal" [NRSV], e.g. Ezek 2:1). For the NT phrase, ho huios tou anthropou (e.g., Matt 9:6) we render "you will know that the Human One has authority on earth to forgive sins."

At the exegetical and linguistic level, the Semitic idiom, ben adam, occurs frequently in the Old Testament. (A linguistic analogy is bene yisrael, which means Israelites.) Biblical scholars, in a rare example of consensus, are certain that the Semitic idiom ben adam translates as "human being" or "human" in natural English. If we were creating a literal translation, which we inherit from the Septuagint Greek translation of the Semitic idiom, or more precisely from the KJV tradition for English readers, we would probably render "son of human." But we aim to avoid "biblish" where possible and translate such Hebrew or Greek constructions into a natural English idiom. In English we don't say or write "I was speaking with sons of Ben" or "I called children of Ben." Instead, in the target language we write, "I spoke to Ben's children."

Here's our explanation in the forthcoming preface to the CEB:

First, ben ’adam (Hebrew) or huios tou anthrōpou (Greek) are best translated as “human being” (rather than “son of man”) except in cases of direct address, where the CEB renders “Human” (instead of “Son of Man” or “Mortal,” e.g., Ezek 2:1). When ho huios tou anthrōpou is used as a title for Jesus, the CEB refers to Jesus as “the Human One.”
            People who have grown accustomed to hearing Jesus refer to himself in the Gospels as “the Son of Man” may find this jarring. Why “Human One”? Jesus’ primary language would have been Aramaic, so he would have used the Aramaic phrase bar enosha. This phrase has the sense of “a human” or “a human such as I.” This phrase was taken over into Greek in a phrase that might be translated woodenly as “son of humanity.” However, Greek usage often refers to “a son of x” in the sense of “one who has the character of ‘x.’” For example, Luke 10:6 refers to “a son of peace,” a phrase that has the sense, “one who shares in peace.” Another example: in Acts 13:10 Paul calls a sorcerer “a son of the devil.” This is not a reference to the sorcerer’s actual ancestry, but serves to identify his character. He is devilish — or, more simply in English, “a devil.” In short, “Human” or “Human One” both represents accurately the Aramaic and Greek idioms and reflects common English usage. Finally, many references to Jesus as “the Human One” refer back to Daniel 7:13, where Daniel “saw one like a human being” (in Greek, huios anthrōpou); using the title “Human One” in the Gospels and Acts, then, preserves this connection to Daniel’s vision.

Darrell L. Bock writes, "The key to this title and Jesus' use of it is the imagery of Dan. 7:13-14, where the term is not a title but a description of a figure who rides the clouds and receives authority directly from God in heaven. The Old Testament background to the title does not emerge immediately in Jesus' ministry, but is connected to remarks made to the disciples at the Olivet discourse and Jesus' reply at his examination by the Jewish leadership. The title is appropriate because of its unique fusion of human and divine elements. A 'son of man' is simply an expression that describes a human being. In contrast to the strange beasts of Dan. 7, this is a figure who is normal, except for the authority he receives. In riding the clouds, this man is doing something otherwise left only to the description of divinity in the Old Testament (Exod. 14:20; 34:5; Num. 10:34; Ps. 104:3; Isa. 19:1). In addition, the title was in Aramaic an indirect way to refer to oneself, making it a less harsh way to make a significant claim. Despite its indirectness, the nature of Jesus' consistent use of the term makes it clear that he was referring to himself, not someone else" (Jesus according to Scripture: Restoring the Portrait from the Gospels ,602-03).

We tested this translation with hundreds of readers. Several found the change jarring. One leader responded, "For me, at an emotional level it feels contrived. Unlike an onomatopoeia it feels empty and sterile; it is not a phrase that draws me into wanting to discover or explore or experience the meaning (and Person) that it represents. At a cognitive level it seems to cut off any sense of divinity to Jesus. I realize the Christology of Jesus is a challenging idea, but to call him the Human One seems to deny the possibility that he is the Son of God and God the Son."

The response of this reader mirrors what we heard in reading groups. We asked, "What do you think "son of man" means for Jesus? Many responded that "Jesus is divine." This confusion is similar to stating, "At a cognitive level [Human One] seems to cut off any sense of divinity to Jesus." The feedback is very clear evidence that many English speaking Christians confuse the meaning of two literal titles that are applied to their knowledge of Jesus: "son of man" is confused with the meaning of "son of God." Indeed, at a cognitive level many of us have a view of Jesus that is so transcendent that the incarnation is temporary, perhaps only while Jesus was a baby. In reading Matthew we see that the phrase "Son of God" or rather "God's Son" (as a title) is used frequently in the CEB translation. The CEB also refers to God as Father, accurately. So we have no agenda in the New Testament translation to deny the fully human and fully divine nature of Jesus, then and now. There is a preference in the CEB for clear English. Human One will become less of a surprise over time, but admittedly it is surprising to encounter it the first time if you memorized the KJV version. The act of reading a new translation makes you think about assumptions. Some Bible translators have further thoughts about this topic at http://betterbibles.com/2010/07/20/son-of-man-2/#comments

~~ Paul Franklyn
Associate Publisher

Comments Did God Create Humans? Created by Mike Blodgett in 2/15/2012 12:02:47 PM I am not sure that God created humans... Genesis states that He created 'man' and made them 'male' and 'female', but not 'human.' It seems that to call the Lord's creation something other than what He calls it is to go further than the Scriptures allow. Maleness and femaleness is important for understanding the meaning of Holy Scripture. Bad translation Created by Richard L. in 12/15/2011 6:07:47 AM I object to rendering "son of man" as "Human Being." This is not an accurate rendering of the phrase in Greek, and it is theologically unacceptable. Jesus is not an amorphrous person, an idealized person. Son of man addresses his connection to the human race by linking him to Adam, from whom all of us are descended. Human Being does not do justice to this concept. I think it possible that some of the translators have a theological agenda for which Human Being is an expression. But, it is not faithful to the biblical text and is theologically misleading. A Good Choice Created by John van de Laar in 11/6/2011 6:46:33 AM I've been using the CEB for a while now and it's become my favourite version. I particularly like the rendering "Human One" because I have often preached about how Jesus reveals what our true humanity looks like, and this expresses that thought well. In the sense that Jesus fulfills what we are called to be as human beings, and in the sense that salvation is about us becoming fully human as we were created to be, I can think of no better translation than "Human One". My first encounter with it resulted in a moment of pause, simply because I was so used to the old "Son of Man" title, but it very easily became my favourite way of referring to this particular title of Jesus. Thank you for making this bold choice, and opening all the possibilities for spiritual reflection and preaching that it offers. Anti-Christ Thinking! Created by Rodfromtx in 8/6/2011 10:40:43 AM Hey, instead of saying God, why don't we just respond with "oh mighty one"? The CEO of Godtube changed Godtube to tangle. This is just another ploy of Satan to put evil into the minds of everyone! The United States of America had adopted this term "we don't want to offend anyone". In other words lets just change our way of thinking and embrace everyone equally. We are to love everyone as God loves us and not to change His Word! God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are ONE! They are the SAME, yesterday, today and forever, amen. Hebrews 13:8. We must preserve the Word of God who is Jesus Christ and stop our ways of thinking as man does. Keep Jesus Christ ALIVE in our hearts. Celtic Christian way of seeing Created by Rev Jack Gillespie, LC in 4/25/2011 11:24:11 AM I, for one, like this rendering. The jarring effect is such that it makes one consider what is really being stated. Is Jesus saying that he is unique in that no one else can do this? No. Not according to his statements in John 20! All of us are called to do those very things. Furthermore, in Celtic Christianity, Jesus was seen as 'The Great Remembrance'. That is, we have moved so far away because of sin that Jesus reminds us of what true humanity actually looks and acts like. True humanity is to be the reflection of God within creation. And, when Jesus refers to himself as the 'Human One', I feel that this reflects this nuance in a very real way. Thanks for the clarity! ho huios tou anthropou Created by Rev. Christopher Millay in 11/5/2010 2:53:56 PM So far I love using the CEB New Testament, but I continue to find the translation "Human One" to be very cumbersome when reading the text in private and in worship. I hope the CEB team will reconsider its use because I am doubtful that time will make it less awkward. While I agree that the translation of anthropou should be broadened from "Man" to "Human" or "Humanity," I am skeptical of the necessary to neuter the whole thing by translating huios as "One." Why not render the phrase as "Son of Humanity" or "Human Son" instead? "Human One" is just really harsh and seems to detract from the readability of the text. Just my two cents. Concerns About Acceptance Created by TonyP in 11/4/2010 1:17:48 PM The explanation about the translation of the Human One makes complete sense, but I am concerned that this is so jarring that it will limit sales and acceptance of the CEB when there is a window of opportunity in the Bible marketplace due to NIV2011, etc. Makes me wonder if making Human One the footnote with an explanation that both Son of Man and Human One refer to the humanity of Jesus is a more teachable and marketable way. Prayers for the CEB team. New Comment Created by SF in 10/11/2010 7:59:51 AM "human one" is awkward - it is jarring, because it does not naturally fit into our speech patterns. Leaving off the word "one" would seem more natural. Human One Created by Frank in 7/21/2010 12:49:57 PM I was initially dubious about this phrase, but though it does seem awkward, I think your argument has convinced me that for a dynamic-equivalence translation, "the Human One", or something like it, is the way to go. Surely it's better than NRSV on this issue! forgiven Created by Anonymous in 7/15/2010 12:00:29 PM The Human One is still God's Son, and he does indeed have the power to forgive sin and error. Human ONE Created by Dr Bunting in 7/15/2010 11:47:13 AM This has to be the WORST translation of the Greek I have seen yet. Changing the NT phrase, ho huios tou anthropou , Matt 9:6 you render "you will know that the Human One has authority on earth to forgive sins." Changes the WHOLE meaning of the phrase and is not even close to being correct in transliteration. Jesus was showing that HE had the power to forgive, therefore it must be rendered Son of Man" I'm struggling here Created by Joshua in 7/7/2010 1:47:52 AM I understand the reason for the rendering "the Human One," but I keep picturing myself reading this from the pulpit and the confused looks this would prompt. Adopting this translation for use in worship means preaching (possibly multiple times) on "huios to anthropou" and why "Human One" is correct. I think "Human One" is most true to the Greek in modern English idiom, but how many pastors will be convicted enough about it to do the necessary work to educate those in the pews so that they accept the CEB? Many will simply write it off immediately. Many prayers as you wrestle with tough issues like this! Comments on the Son of Man Created by K in 6/21/2010 9:53:34 AM I for one am very glad to see the variation between Men and Human beings as it applies to accurate translation, such as Eph 4:8. I have not studied this out but if it is an accurate translation, I am certainly for it. But here is the question to be rendered as well per this topic...regarding the Blood Covenant of Circumcision. Issac was the miracle child from a barren woman and the circumcision that began was to Point to the Seed that was coming, JESUS. In Galatians we see the answer that Jesus was the promised seed to come and consequently, we are also of that seed, as it states in these chapters therein. I believe this was why Jesus referred to Himself so frequently as the SON OF MAN. So people would not miss this important point: He was that promised Seed to come, The Son of Man. In the context of replacing it with Human One, does this loose the meaning? This I do not know. But I prefer TRUTH always. So that is the question, I have not explored. Is this the accurate translation in Greek? Is the meaning still intact when everything is said and done? But if it is indeed an accurate rendering, I am for it. God bless you all in Jesus' Name. PS Also, in my studies I have seen that, for example, there is one Greek word for wives and women, also about 7 or 8 Greek words for our one word "teach". Even more there are notes in Greek dictionaries that indicate ancient meanings versus new ones, such as "usurping authority" could have meant "kill some one with their own hands". Or in Isaiah 63:9 Angel of His Presence means Messenger of His Face. I for one appreciate flowing sentences where I do not have to exhaustively figure out a passage, but I do enjoy accurate renderings, so I am ever grateful for these new treasures that are coming forth in translations...there seems to be hidden treasures in all of them. Thanks. I look forward toward seeing this New Testament. "Human One"??? Created by Pastor Charlie in 5/13/2010 7:49:14 AM One of my seminary professors (Sharon Ringe) addressed the ambiguity of this phrase as possibly a self-reference of Jesus (i.e., "yours truly"). I like how that helps preserve some of the mystery of our faith. Regardless, however, there needs to be continuity with HB references to this phrase (e.g., Daniel). Yet even if “Human One” were used throughout NT & HB, it would still obscure Jesus’ maleness, and would definitely not roll off the tongue. I say dump it. basic theology Created by Elliott in 5/13/2010 6:41:44 AM I think people were NOT confusing Son of Man with Son of God. Son of Man IS a divine term (as your Daniel references make clear); Son of God is probably a human term (Israel in OT is God's "son"). terrible Created by Anonymous in 5/12/2010 1:03:48 AM This alone discredits the CEB in my book. Human One? Created by Anonymous in 5/11/2010 9:16:44 AM I signed up to get a free NT but with renderings like this I wonder if I just wasted my time. Not Quite There Created by James in 5/4/2010 4:56:16 AM The CEB seems to be remarkably natural yet accurate in most places. However "the Human One" is just a bit too awkward, especially coming in the midst of such easy-flowing English. It makes Jesus sound grandiose in a way he never was. Perhaps simply "the Human" would work a little better, particularly if the term is translated that way in the messianic Daniel scripture. An Excellent Translation Choice Created by Gabriel S. in 4/21/2010 4:37:18 AM One of the reasons I am so impressed with the CEB is its commitment to accuracy and natural English instead of agenda and sectarian bias. The translation choice "Human One" for the KJV's "Son of man" was one of the first things that caught my eye in the CEB Gospel of Matthew. From my perspective, the textual issues surrounding the question of who Jesus was are too often obscured by 17th century rhetoric. I am glad to see that the CEB is avoiding so-called "theological" terminology in favor of everyday English idioms. Your Name Title Comment New Comment Enter the code