Son as Identity
In biblical language, “son” often means belonging to or sharing the character of someone or something:
- “Sons of disobedience” (Eph 2:2) → people characterised by disobedience.
- “Sons of God” (Gen 6:2, Job 1:6, NT passages) → beings belonging to God or reflecting His nature.
- “Son of X” in Hebrew idiom often means having the qualities of X.
Identity in the biblical world was not primarily individualistic but relational and communal. Calling someone a “son” located them in a family, a lineage, a people, and an origin.
This is why Jesus being called “Son of God” is not just biological language. It says something about His relationship with God, His divine identity, and His shared nature and essence with the Father.
Son as Inheritor
In the ancient Near Eastern and biblical context, a son—especially the firstborn—was the heir.
Inheritance means authority within the household, land and property, responsibilities and blessings, continuation of the family line and name.
The firstborn received a double portion (Deut 21:17) because he represented the family’s future and was entrusted with its continuity.
Thus, to be a “son” was to be an heir, someone who would carry forward the father’s legacy and receive his promises.
Paul uses this heavily in the New Testament:
“You are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”
— Galatians 4:7
Being made a “son” in Christ isn’t about gender; it’s about inheritance rights.
Sonship as Status
In biblical language, “son” is more about status than genetics.
A “son” may be: adopted, chosen, or metaphorically described.
God calls Israel His “son” (Exod 4:22), meaning: chosen, loved, and destined to receive promises.
Similarly, Christians are called “sons” (men and women), meaning: full heirs, fully included, and fully granted the rights of inheritance.
Jesus as Son
When the New Testament calls Jesus “Son of God,” it includes:
Identity: He shares the nature of the Father, He uniquely reveals who the Father is, and He has an intimate relationship with God.
Inheritance: He is the rightful heir to the promises made to David and Israel, He has authority over all creation (Heb 1:2), and everything the Father has is His (John 16:15).
Thus Jesus is the Son in a unique sense: the heir of all.
Believers as Sons
Through Christ, believers become “adopted” into God’s family, given full inheritance rights, and able to call God “Father.” Rom 8
To be a “son” is to reflect the nature of the father, belong to a family, and be named and known.
To be a “son” is to receive what the father promises, carry the family’s mission, and operate in the father’s authority.
In the biblical worldview, these things were inseparable. Your identity flowed from your family, and your inheritance flowed from your identity.
Understanding the biblical meaning of “son” helps make sense of key Christian doctrines:
- Jesus’ unique identity as Son.
- Believers’ adoption into God’s family.
- The idea of receiving God’s promises as heirs.
It helps illuminate why the language of sonship is not merely about gender but about relationship and responsibility, identity and inheritance.