The term “Son of God” in the Bible carries a significant and multifaceted meaning, primarily referring to Jesus Christ and his divine relationship with God the Father. 

Old Testament Usage

While the specific term “Son of God” isn’t as frequent in the Old Testament as in the New, the concept of divine sonship is present in several ways: 

• Israel as God’s Son: The nation of Israel is referred to as God’s “firstborn son” (Exodus 4:22), indicating a special covenantal relationship and chosen status.

• Kings as God’s Sons: The Davidic kings are called God’s sons in a royal and messianic sense (Psalm 2:7, 2 Samuel 7:14), foreshadowing the coming Messiah.

• Angels as Sons of God: Angels are also referred to as “sons of God” (Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; NRSV note), indicating their divine origin and position in the heavenly court.

• Righteous Individuals: In some later Jewish literature, the righteous individual is also called a “son of God” (Wisdom of Solomon 2:18, NRSV: “child”). 

New Testament Usage and Significance

In the New Testament, “Son of God” is a primary title for Jesus Christ, signifying his unique divine nature and role as the Messiah. 

• Divine Conception and Birth: The angel Gabriel announces that Jesus, being conceived by the Holy Spirit, “shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35).

• Baptism and Transfiguration: God the Father Himself proclaims Jesus as “My beloved Son” at both His baptism (Matthew 3:17) and the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:5), according to Bible Odyssey.

• Assertion of Deity: The title emphasizes Jesus’ divinity, asserting that he is of the same nature as God the Father and thus equal to God.

• Messianic Role: “Son of God” is closely associated with Jesus’ position as the Messiah, the King chosen by God to fulfill Old Testament prophecies.

• Unique Sonship: The New Testament highlights the distinctness of Jesus’ sonship as God’s “only Son” (John 1:14), setting him apart from all other beings.

• Believers as Children of God: Through faith in Jesus, believers are adopted into God’s family and become “children of God” (John 1:12). 

In summary, the title “Son of God” in the Bible encompasses both a relational and a theological meaning. It denotes special relationships with God in the Old Testament, but in the New Testament, it primarily underscores Jesus Christ’s unique identity as the divine Son of God, the Messiah, and the one through whom humanity can be reconciled to God.