Nsab
Mandaean uthra, son of Yushamin, and intercessor with the King of Light.
In Mandaeism, Nṣab (Classical Mandaic: ࡍࡑࡀࡁ, meaning "Plant"; pronounced [ənˈsˤɑb] in Modern Mandaic) is an uthra, a type of angel or guardian. He is also known as Nṣab Rba ("the Great Nṣab") or Nṣab Ziwa ("the Radiant Nṣab" or "Splendid Plant"). Alongside his female consort, Anan-Nṣab ("cloud of Nṣab"), the pair appear together often in the Right Ginza and the Qulasta.
In the Mandaean Book of John, chapters 3 through 10 identify Nṣab as a son of Yushamin. Chapter 4 describes Nṣab Ziwa rebuking his father for rebelling. Chapter 8 recounts Nṣab bringing a plea for Yushamin's forgiveness to the King of Light, who grants it despite Manda d-Hayyi’s objections, and then warns Manda d-Hayyi against hating Yushamin for refusing him a wife. Chapter 9 features a dialogue among Yushamin, Manda d-Hayyi, and Nṣab, while chapter 10 is a monologue by Yushamin.
Elsewhere in Mandaean scripture, Nṣab appears in chapters 8 and 17.1 of the Right Ginza, and in Qulasta prayers 25, 71, 105, 145, 168, 186, 353, and 379. In the text *Baptism of Hibil Ziwa* (DC 35), Nṣab is the name of a heavenly tree.
Quick Facts
- Other Names
- Nṣab Rba / Nṣab Ziwa
- Affiliation
- <!-- or
- Abode
- World of Light
- Father
- Yushamin
- Consort
- Anan-Nṣab
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
In chapters 3 to 10 of the Mandaean Book of John, Nṣab is a son of Yushamin. In the fourth chapter, Nṣab Ziwa admonishes his father Yushamin over his rebellion. The eighth chapter gives an account of Nṣab bringing a petition for forgiveness for Yushamin to the King of Light (malka ḏ-nhura), who accepts it against the wishes of Manda d-Hayyi, and cautions the latter for hating Yushamin for refusing him a wife. The ninth chapter is a dialogue between Yushamin, Manda d-Hayyi and Nṣab; the tenth is a monologue by Yushamin.
In other Mandaean scriptures, Nṣab is mentioned in chapters 8 and 17.1 of the Right Ginza, and in Qulasta prayers 25, 71, 105, 145, 168, 186, 353, and 379. In the Baptism of Hibil Ziwa (DC 35), Nṣab is the name of a heavenly tree.
Reader's Guide
Nṣab holds significance in Mandaeism as an uthra who acts as an intermediary between the rebellious Yushamin and the King of Light. His role in the Mandaean Book of John highlights themes of forgiveness and divine justice, as he successfully petitions for Yushamin despite opposition from Manda d-Hayyi. The frequent pairing with his consort Anan-Nṣab in the Right Ginza and Qulasta underscores the importance of complementary divine pairs in Mandaean cosmology. Additionally, the identification of Nṣab as a heavenly tree in the Baptism of Hibil Ziwa connects him to the symbolism of life and growth. His legacy is preserved across multiple Mandaean texts, reflecting his enduring place in the angelic hierarchy.
Did You Know?
- Nṣab brought a petition for forgiveness for Yushamin to the King of Light, which was accepted against the wishes of Manda d-Hayyi.
- In the Baptism of Hibil Ziwa, Nṣab is the name of a heavenly tree.
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