Yurba

Yurba
Other namesJōrabba
AffiliationShamish, Adonai, Yao
AbodeWorld of Light
TextsMandaean Book of John chapter 52

In Mandaeism, Yurba or Yorabba (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. In Mandaean texts, Yurba is often mentioned as engaging in conversation with Ruha. Gelbert (2013) also suggests that Yurba alludes to the historical Rabbula, a 5th-century bishop of Edessa.

Book 18 of the Right Ginza equates Yurba with Adonai of Judaism, while Gelbert (2017) identifies Yurba with Yao. 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. Mandaean Book of John chapter 52 is a narrative dedicated to Yurba.