υἱός

Noun: υἱός (huios), GK G5626 (S G5207), 377x. υἱός describes the son of human parents; it can also refer more generally to offspring and descendants. (1) The “parent to child” relationship is set in a new light by Jesus’ call to discipleship (Mt. 10:37; Lk. 14:26–27; cf. Mk. 13:12). (2) Although the phrase “Son of Man” seems to emphasize Jesus’ humanity, it is actually a stronger title of divinity than the title “Son of God” (Dan. 7:13–14). (3) The title “Son of God,” though it certainly evokes a divine understanding, does so by emphasizing the divine relationship between the Father and Jesus the “Son.” (4) Just as Israel was a “son” to God in its elected status, and just as Jesus the “Son” made complete that relationship for all who desire, believers today are called sons and daughters of God (Jn. 1:12–13; Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6). (5) The NT also uses υἱός to describe qualities that should characterize God’s people. For example, when we are called “sons of the light” (Lk. 16:8; Jn. 12:36), that means we must live as if the light of God’s Word and Jesus as the light of the world are living within us.