Yurba

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Yurba
Other namesJōrabba
Affiliation Shamish, Adonai, Yao
Abode World of Light
Texts Mandaean Book of John chapter 52

In Mandaeism, Yurba or Yorabba [1] (Classical Mandaic : ࡉࡅࡓࡁࡀ, romanized: Iurba) is an uthra (angelic or celestial being). Lidzbarski (1905, 1920) spells his name as spelled Jōrabba. Yurba, who is also called the fighter, is identified with Shamish, the sun. [2] In Mandaean texts, Yurba is often mentioned as engaging in conversation with Ruha. [3] Gelbert (2013) also suggests that Yurba alludes to the historical Rabbula, a 5th-century bishop of Edessa. [1]

Contents

Book 18 of the Right Ginza equates Yurba with Adonai of Judaism, while Gelbert (2017) identifies Yurba with Yao. [4] He is mentioned in Right Ginza 3, 5.3 (which mentions Yurba as a matarta guardian), 8, 12.1, 15.5, and 18 and Left Ginza 2.22 and 3.45. [3] Mandaean Book of John chapter 52 is a narrative dedicated to Yurba. [4]

Etymology

Yurba (Yorbā) is a portmanteau of Yao and Rba (Rabba), which means 'great'. [5]

Qmaha ḏ-Iurba

The Qmaha ḏ-Iurba ( Qmaha of Yurba") is an amulet scroll that invokes Yurba for protection. Manuscripts include: [6]

See also

Related Research Articles

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References

  1. 1 2 Gelbert, Carlos (2013). The Mandaeans and the Christians in the time of Jesus Christ: enemies from the first days of the church. Fairfield, N.S.W.: Living Water Books. ISBN   978-0-9580346-4-7. OCLC   853508149.
  2. Haberl, Charles and McGrath, James (2020). The Mandaean Book of John: critical edition, translation, and commentary. Berlin: De Gruyter. ISBN   978-3-11-048651-3. OCLC   1129155601.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. 1 2 Gelbert, Carlos (2011). Ginza Rba. Sydney: Living Water Books. ISBN   9780958034630.
  4. 1 2 Gelbert, Carlos (2017). The Teachings of the Mandaean John the Baptist. Fairfield, NSW, Australia: Living Water Books. ISBN   9780958034678. OCLC   1000148487.
  5. Häberl, Charles (2022). The Book of Kings and the Explanations of This World: A Universal History from the Late Sasanian Empire. Liverpool: Liverpool University Press. ISBN   978-1-80085-627-1.
  6. Morgenstern, Matthew (ed.). "Qmaha ḏ-Iurba". The Comprehensive Aramaic Lexicon . Retrieved 2024-07-27.