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]
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]
^ abGelbert, 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. ISBN978-0-9580346-4-7. OCLC853508149.
^Haberl, Charles and McGrath, James (2020). The Mandaean Book of John: critical edition, translation, and commentary. Berlin: De Gruyter. ISBN978-3-11-048651-3. OCLC1129155601.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
