The Solution to the 'Son of Man' Problem

Description

The opening chapter surveys the history of scholarship regarding the problematic use of the phrase 'son of man' in the New Testament. It also explains why this problem could not be solved until recently. Casey then presents the relevant Aramaic evidence. He offers a careful discussion of the use of the Aramaic term 'son of man' in the light of over 30 examples of the use of this term by speakers who are referring to themselves. Chapters 4-9 discuss authentic examples of this idiom in the teaching of Jesus, with Aramaic reconstructions of each saying. All but one of these sayings is found in Mark or 'Q'. There is then a full discussion of secondary sayings in the Synoptic Gospels. The first ones dependent on Daniel 7.13 belong to the earliest Gospel, which also contains the results of translating genuine sayings of Jesus from Aramaic into Greek. There is a discussion of the transition process between authentic Aramaic sayings of Jesus and Greek 'son of man' sayings in the synoptic Gospels. This argument builds on work in the field of translation studies, and the work of ancient translators, especially of the Septuagint. Casey argues that Gospel translators deliberately translated both literally and creatively to produce a new Christological title. It is this tradition that is evident in the Fourth Gospel: its 'son of man' sayings fit perfectly into Johannine theology. The final chapter draws together a complete solution to this difficult problem.

Maurice Casey is Professor of New Testament Languages and Literature at the University of Nottingham, UK. He has published extensively on the Son of Man problem, and more generally on reconstructing Aramaic traditions about Jesus from the Greek Gospels.

'This impressive book brings to fruition Casey's work on the Son of Man problem over many years. It is learned, original and trenchant. It is sure to dominate the field.' -- Richard Bauckham, Professor of New Testament, St Mary's College, St Andrews, Scotland 'This book is the most comprehensive and learned work on the notoriously complicated 'son of man' problem and is based on over thirty years of research. In typical fashion Casey demolishes a variety of alternative solutions proposed over the years and is ruthless in exposing faulty methodologies and non-argumentation. It is not only the comprehensive and highly persuasive nature of the work that sets Casey's solution apart from alternatives solutions, but also the rare ability to combine detailed linguistic research in several of the original languages with a variety of interdisciplinary approaches (e.g. identity, cross-cultural healings, translation studies). This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the historical Jesus, the development of early Christology, the canonical gospels, and Aramaic studies. The Son of Man Problem ought to be regarded as a landmark publication on this complex issue.' -- James G. Crossley, Lecturer in New Testament Studies in the Department of Biblical Studies at the University of Sheffield 'Casey has written a definitive book on a previously unresolved problem ... I am convinced that his solution to the Son of Man problem is successful, even formidable.' April D. DeConick, Religious Studies Review, 2008 Review in International Review of Biblical Studies, vol. 54:2007/08 "In many ways , this is a magnificient achievement. Casey has succeeded in writing an history of the 'son of man' sayings from their origins in the Aramaic of the historical Jesus of therir interpretration in the early churchFathers. He submits a great deal of evidence in support of his case from Aramaic and Syriac sources, and his examination of gospel texts is both detailed and astute." "this book is most certainly worth the read. Fair minded scholars, preachers and teachers who are interested in the truth of the historical Jesus and the truth concerning the nature of Jesus ought to consider the arguments contained in this book" ANVIL Vol.25 No.2 2008 -- Andy Angel "Casey weighs in on an enduring question regarding the relative divinity and humanity of Jesus. He considers the state of play, the use of the Armaic term Son of Man, six authentic sayings, the healing of the paralytic in Mark 2.1-12, jackals have holes according to Matthew and Luke, the Son of Man in the heavenly court, betrayed by a kiss, Jesus predicts his death and resurrection, other synoptic sayings, the translation and use of scripture from the saying of Jesus to the synoptic evangelists, and the Johannine sayings." -Eithne O'Leyne, BOOK NEWS, Inc. "Casey tackles this most intractable of problems in the interpretation of the New Testament with characteristic attention to detail." "In many ways, this is a magnificent achievement. Casey has succeeded in writing a history of the 'son of man' sayings from their origins in the Aramaic of the historical Jesus to their interpretation in the early church Fathers." "When Casey states that he has proposed 'a complete solution to the son of man problem', he does not exaggerate." "It is a powerful contribution to the debates concerning the person and ministry of the historical Jesus, and indeed to the development of early Christology." -- Andy Angel * ANVIL * [The Solution to the 'Son of Man' Problem]is useful for students and non-specialists in that it briefly summarizes earlier notions and research concerning the 'Son of Man' question and gives detailed examples in Greek and Aramaic that serve to support the circumlocutional hypothesis that Casey and others support. -- Alison G. Salvesen, Oriental Institute, Oxford, UK * Journal of Jewish Studies *