How Many Times Is ‘Son Of God’ Mentioned In The Bible?

The title ‘Son of God’ holds great significance in Christianity, referring to Jesus as the Son of God. But how many times does this exact phrase actually appear in the Bible? If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The phrase ‘Son of God’ is used 46 times in the New Testament to refer to Jesus.

In this comprehensive article, we will analyze the usage of the phrase ‘Son of God’ throughout both the Old and New Testaments. We will look at how many times it appears overall, in which books of the Bible, and in what contexts.

We’ll also explore the theological meaning behind the title and why it’s so central to Christian belief about Jesus’ identity and relationship to God the Father.

Appearances of ‘Son of God’ in the New Testament

The 4 Gospels

The phrase “Son of God” appears numerous times across the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Jesus is directly referred to as the Son of God by various people, including demons, the high priest, the centurion at the crucifixion, and God Himself. Some key examples:

• At Jesus’ baptism, a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
• When Jesus walked on water, his disciples worshipped him and confessed, “Truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33).
• The high priest asked Jesus, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the God?” to which Jesus replied, “I am” (Matthew 26:63-64).
• The centurion at the crucifixion declared, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39).

The title affirms Jesus’ unique relationship with God the Father as well as his divinity. The Gospel writers establish Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and Son of God prophesied in the Old Testament.

Letters of Paul and Other Apostles

The apostle Paul commonly refers to believers as “sons of God”, but applies the phrase specifically to Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God in Romans 1:4 and Galatians 2:20. Other examples:

• Paul opens 2 Corinthians 1:19 with: “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ…was not Yes and No.”
• Hebrews 4:14 describes Jesus as “a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God.”
• 1 John 3:8 states: “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.”
• In 2 Peter 1:17, Peter recounts the voice from heaven at the Transfiguration saying, “This is my Son, whom I love.”

The apostles recognized Jesus as the one and only Son of God, in accordance with his claims and divine nature.

Revelation

The book of Revelation contains over a dozen references to Jesus Christ as the Son of God, reminding readers of his power and authority. For example:

• Revelation 2:18 presents Jesus saying, “These are the words of the Son of God.”
• In Revelation 5:5, Jesus is called “The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David” and “The Lamb who was slain,” then declared worthy by his position as “The Son of God” to open the scroll.
• Revelation 14:14 depicts “One like a son of man, with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand” – imagery of Jesus as the Son of God reaping the harvest.

The vision given to John uses the title Son of God to reinforce Jesus’ sovereignty over all creation and final judgment.

Usage in the Old Testament

The phrase “Son of God” is not frequently used in the Old Testament, but there are a few noteworthy passages that hint at this concept:

Passages Referring to Angels or Israel as “Sons of God”

In several Old Testament passages, divine beings or the people of Israel are referred to as “sons of God”:

• Job 1:6 – Satan is included among the “sons of God” in this passage.
• Job 38:7 – Angels are called “sons of God” here.
• Deuteronomy 14:1 – Israel is called God’s “sons and daughters.”
• Hosea 1:10 – God says Israel will be called “sons of the living God.”

So while these passages do not directly call the Messiah the “Son of God,” they introduce the concept of certain special beings having a unique sonship relationship with God.

Passages About Israel’s Kings

Israel’s kings were sometimes referred to as God’s “son” as a sign of their special status, foreshadowing the ultimate king – the Messiah:

• 2 Samuel 7:14 – Speaking of David and his descendants, God says, “I will be his father, and he shall be my son.”
• Psalm 2:7 – Speaking prophetically of the Messiah, it says, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you.” This verse is quoted in the New Testament as referring to Jesus (Acts 13:33, Hebrews 1:5).

So while the specific phrase “Son of God” is not frequently used in the Old Testament, the concept is hinted at in several important passages. This theme then gets expanded upon in the New Testament, where Jesus is explicitly called the Son of God dozens of times.

Theological Significance of the Title ‘Son of God’

Sonship and Divinity

The title “Son of God” affirms Jesus’ unique relationship with God the Father and suggests Jesus’ divinity. Scripture teaches that Jesus is eternally God’s Son (John 1:1-3), meaning He shares the divine nature with God the Father (Philippians 2:6).

As the Son of God, Jesus reveals God perfectly (John 14:9) and has authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:5-12). By calling Jesus the Son of God, the Bible affirms His deity and eternal glory with the Father (John 17:5).

This is an amazing truth that demonstrates God’s great love in sending His own Son for our salvation (John 3:16).

Some key verses that connect Jesus as the Son of God with His divinity include:

• “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
• “No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is at the Father’s side, has made Him known.” (John 1:18)
• “For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.” (Colossians 2:9)

The theological significance of Jesus as the Son of God is that He has the very essence and nature of God. Calling Jesus the Son affirms His eternal relationship to the Father as well as His divine power, wisdom, and authority.

Obedience and Sacrifice

In addition to revealing Jesus’ divinity, the title Son of God also speaks to Jesus’ perfect obedience to the Father and His willingness to sacrifice Himself for our salvation. Though Jesus was equal with God (Philippians 2:6), He willingly took on human flesh, humbled Himself, and became obedient to death on a cross (Philippians 2:8).

Jesus’ obedience as the Son of God is the ultimate demonstration of His love for us.

Some key verses connecting Jesus as the Son of God with His obedience include:

• “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
• “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8)
• “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.” (Hebrews 5:7-8)

Jesus as the Son of God reveals the heart of God the Father toward us. By sending His Son and through Jesus’ willing obedience to die for sinners, God powerfully demonstrates His unconditional love and grace. The title Son of God conveys Jesus’ eternal glory as well as His sacrificial love.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the precise phrase ‘Son of God’ occurs just 46 times in reference to Jesus, the theological concept it represents permeates the entire New Testament. As the only begotten Son of God sent to atone for the sins of humanity, Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies about a coming messiah who would reconcile mankind to God.