"Son of Man" is a title used in Scripture for a human being in some contexts, but in the Gospels it is Jesus’ own frequent title for Himself. It highlights both His true humanity and His messianic authority, especially in light of Daniel 7.
Son of Man is a title Jesus used for Himself, drawing on Daniel's vision.
"Son of Man" has more than one biblical use, so context matters. In the Old Testament, the phrase can refer generally to a mortal human, and in Ezekiel it commonly addresses the prophet as a man. In Daniel 7:13–14, however, "one like a son of man" appears in a vision and receives everlasting dominion, a passage widely recognized as important for understanding Jesus’ use of the title. In the Gospels, Jesus frequently calls Himself "the Son of Man," especially in sayings about His earthly ministry, His suffering and death, and His future coming in glory. Conservative interpreters generally understand this title to affirm His real humanity while also identifying Him as the promised messianic figure who receives divine authority and reign. Some details of how each passage emphasizes the title are debated, but the safe conclusion is that in Jesus’ own use it is a weighty self-designation joining humiliation, authority, and future glory.