# Nazarene (sect)

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First-century Christian sect

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The **Nazarenes** (or **Nazoreans**; [Greek](/source/Greek_language): Ναζωραῖοι, [romanized](/source/Romanization_of_Greek): *Nazōraioi*)[1] were an early [Jewish Christian](/source/Jewish_Christian) [sect](/source/Sect) in first-century [Judaism](/source/Judaism). The first use of the term is found in the [Acts of the Apostles](/source/Acts_of_the_Apostles) ([Acts 24](/source/Acts_24), [Acts 24:5](https://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Acts%2024:5&version=nrsv)) of the [New Testament](/source/New_Testament), where [Paul the Apostle](/source/Paul_the_Apostle) is accused of being a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes ("πρωτοστάτην τε τῆς τῶν Ναζωραίων αἱρέσεως") before the Roman [procurator](/source/Procurator_(Ancient_Rome)) [Antonius Felix](/source/Antonius_Felix) at [Caesarea Maritima](/source/Caesarea_Maritima) by [Tertullus](/source/Tertullus).[2] At that time, the term simply designated followers of [Jesus of Nazareth](/source/Jesus_of_Nazareth), as the [Hebrew](/source/Hebrew_language) term נוֹצְרִי‎ (**nôṣrî**),[3] and the Arabic term نَصْرَانِي (**naṣrānī**),[4] still do.

As time passed, the term came to refer to a sect of Jewish Christians who continued to observe the [Torah](/source/Torah), in contrast to gentiles who eschewed Torah observance.[5] They are described by [Epiphanius of Salamis](/source/Epiphanius_of_Salamis) and are mentioned later by [Jerome](/source/Jerome) and [Augustine of Hippo](/source/Augustine_of_Hippo).[6][7] The writers made a distinction between the Nazarenes of their time and the "Nazarenes" mentioned in Acts 24:5.[8]

## Nazarenes as a Title

Main article: [Nazarene (title)](/source/Nazarene_(title))

The English term *Nazarene* is commonly used to translate two related Greek words that appear in the New Testament: *Nazōraios* (Ναζωραῖος, Ναζαραῖος) ("Nazorean") and *Nazarēnos* (Ναζαρηνός) ("Nazarene"). The term *Nazōraios* may have a religious significance instead of denoting a place of origin, while *Nazarēnos* is an adjectival form of the phrase *apo Nazaret* "from Nazareth."[9]

Because of this, the phrases traditionally rendered as "Jesus of Nazareth" can also be translated as "Jesus the Nazarene" or "Jesus the Nazorean." In the New Testament, the form *Nazōraios* or *Nazaraios* is more common than *Nazarēnos* (meaning "from Nazareth").[1]

In Arabic however, Nasrani (نصراني), the name given to Christians in the [Quran](/source/Quran) can be interpreted as coming from the root verb [n-ṣ-r](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%D9%86%D8%B5%D8%B1), meaning victory, or support. The meaning is defined in Surah [al Imran](/source/Al_Imran), [verse 52](https://quran.com/3?startingVerse=52) where [Jesus](/source/Jesus_in_Islam) asks who will become his supporters (Ansar-i) for the sake of God; the [Hawariyun](/source/Disciples_of_Jesus_in_Islam) (Apostles) answer that they will become the Ansar. The same root also refers to the [Ansar](/source/Ansar_(Islam)), those that sheltered [Muhammad](/source/Muhammad) in [Medina](/source/Medina).

## Nazarene sect of (1st century)

See also: [Nazarene](/source/Nazarene_(title)#"Nazarenes"_-_a_term_for_the_Early_Christians), [Nazirite](/source/Nazirite#In_the_New_Testament), [Book of Acts](/source/Book_of_Acts), and [Early Christianity](/source/Early_Christianity)

The Greek epithet *Nazōraios* is applied to Jesus 14 times in the New Testament, and is used once in [Acts](/source/Acts_of_the_Apostles) to refer to the sect of Christians of which Paul was a leader.[1] It is traditionally translated as "a man from [Nazareth](/source/Nazareth)"; the plural *Nazōraioi* would mean "men from Nazareth". The title is first applied to the Christians by [Tertullus](/source/Tertullus) ([Acts 24:5](https://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Acts%2024:5&version=nrsv)), though [Herod Agrippa II](/source/Herod_Agrippa_II) ([Acts 26:28](https://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Acts%2026:28&version=nrsv)) uses the term "Christians" which had first been used at [Antioch](/source/Antioch) ([Acts 11:26](https://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Acts%2011:26&version=nrsv)). The name used by Tertullus survives into [Mishnaic](/source/Mishnaic_Hebrew) and [modern Hebrew](/source/Modern_Hebrew) as *notzrim* (נוצרים‎), a standard Hebrew term for "Christian". The name also exists in the [Quran](/source/Quran) and modern [Arabic](/source/Arabic) as نَصَارَىٰ *naṣārā* (plural of نَصْرَانِيّ *[naṣrānī](/source/Christians#Arabic_terms)* "Christian").

[Tertullian](/source/Tertullian) (c. 160 – c. 220, *Against Marcion*, 4:8) records that the Jews called Christians "Nazarenes" from Jesus being a man of Nazareth, though he also makes the connection with [Nazarites](/source/Nazarites) in [Lamentations 4:7](https://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Lamentations%204:7&version=nrsv).[10] [Jerome](/source/Jerome) too records that, in the synagogues, the word "Nazarenes" was used to describe Christians.[11] [Eusebius](/source/Eusebius), around 311 CE, records that the name "Nazarenes" had formerly been used of Christians.[12][13] The use relating to a specific "sect" of Christians does not occur until [Epiphanius](/source/Epiphanius_of_Salamis) (310/20–403).[14] According to [Arnold Ehrhardt](/source/Arnold_Ehrhardt), just as [Antioch](/source/Early_centers_of_Christianity#Antioch) coined the term Christians, so [Jerusalem](/source/Early_centers_of_Christianity#Jerusalem) coined the term Nazarenes, from Jesus of Nazareth.[15]

The terms "sect of the Nazarenes" and "Jesus of Nazareth" both employ the adjective *nasraya* (ܕܢܨܪܝܐ) in the Syrian Aramaic [Peshitta](/source/Peshitta), from *Nasrat* (ܢܨܪܬ) for Nazareth.[16][17][18]

## Nazarenes (4th century)

According to [Epiphanius](/source/Epiphanius_of_Salamis) in his *[Panarion](/source/Panarion)*, the 4th-century Nazarenes (Ναζωραῖοι) were originally Jewish converts of the [Apostles](/source/Apostles_in_the_New_Testament)[19] who fled [Jerusalem](/source/Jerusalem) because of Jesus' prophecy of its [coming siege](/source/Siege_of_Jerusalem_(70_CE)). They fled to [Pella](/source/Pella%2C_Jordan), [Peraea](/source/Perea) (northeast of Jerusalem), and eventually spread outwards to [Beroea](/source/Halab) (Aleppo) and [Basanitis](/source/Bashan), where they permanently settled (Panarion 29.3.3).[20]

The Nazarenes were similar to the [Ebionites](/source/Ebionites), in that they considered themselves [Jews](/source/Jews), maintained an adherence to the [Law of Moses](/source/Law_of_Moses). Unlike the Ebionites, they accepted the [Virgin Birth](/source/Virgin_birth_of_Jesus).[21][22] They seemed to consider Jesus as a prophet, but other attestations from the church fathers might suggest that they also hold on the divinity of Jesus.[23]

As late as the eleventh century, [Cardinal Humbert of Mourmoutiers](/source/Humbert_of_Silva_Candida) still referred to the Nazarene sect as a [Sabbath](/source/Seventh-day_Sabbath)-keeping Christian body existing at that time.[24] Modern scholars believe it is the Pasagini or [Pasagians](/source/Pasagians) who are referenced by Cardinal Humbert, suggesting the Nazarene sect existed well into the eleventh century and beyond. The [Catholic](/source/Catholic) writings of Bonacursus entitled *Against the Heretics* is the chief authority of their history. It is believed that Gregorius of Bergamo, about 1250 CE, also wrote concerning the Nazarenes as the [Pasagians](/source/Pasagians).

### Gospel of the Nazarenes

Main article: [Gospel of the Nazarenes](/source/Gospel_of_the_Nazarenes)

The Gospel of the Nazarenes is the title given to fragments of one of the lost [Jewish-Christian Gospels](/source/Jewish-Christian_Gospels) partially reconstructed from the writings of [Jerome](/source/Jerome).

### Patristic references to "Nazarenes"

In the 4th century, [Jerome](/source/Jerome) also refers to Nazarenes as those "who accept Messiah in such a way that they do not cease to observe the old Law." In his *Epistle* 75, to Augustine, he said:

What shall I say of the Ebionites who pretend to be Christians? To-day there still exists among the Jews in all the synagogues of the East a heresy which is called that of the Minæans, and which is still condemned by the [Pharisees](/source/Pharisees); [its followers] are ordinarily called 'Nasarenes'; they believe that Christ, the son of God, was born of the [Virgin Mary](/source/Virgin_Mary), and they hold him to be the one who suffered under Pontius Pilate and ascended to heaven, and in whom we also believe. But while they pretend to be both Jews and Christians, they are neither.[25][26]

[Jerome](/source/Jerome) saw a distinction between Nazarenes and Ebionites, a different Jewish sect, but does not comment on whether Nazarene Jews considered themselves to be "Christian" or not or how they viewed themselves as fitting into the descriptions he uses. He clearly equates them with [Filaster](/source/Filaster)'s Nazarei.[27] His criticism of the Nazarenes is noticeably more direct and critical than that of Epiphanius.

The following creed is from a church at Constantinople at the same period, and condemns practices of the Nazarenes:

I renounce all customs, rites, legalisms, unleavened breads & sacrifices of lambs of the Hebrews, and all other feasts of the Hebrews, sacrifices, prayers, aspersions, purifications, sanctifications and propitiations and fasts, and new moons, and Sabbaths, and superstitions, and hymns and chants and observances and Synagogues, and the food and drink of the Hebrews; in one word, I renounce everything Jewish, every law, rite and custom and if afterwards I shall wish to deny and return to [Jewish superstition](/source/Judaizers), or shall be found eating with the Jews, or feasting with them, or secretly conversing and condemning the Christian religion instead of openly confuting them and condemning their vain faith, then let the trembling of [Gehazi](/source/Gehazi) cleave to me, as well as the legal punishments to which I acknowledge myself liable. And may I be anathema in the world to come, and may my soul be set down with Satan and the devils.[28]

"Nazarenes" are referenced past the fourth century CE as well. Jacobus de Voragine (1230–98) described James as a "Nazarene" in The Golden Legend, vol 7. Thomas Aquinas (1225–74) quotes Augustine of Hippo, who was given an apocryphal book called *Hieremias* ([Jeremiah](/source/Jeremiah) in Latin) by a "Hebrew of the Nazarene Sect", in [Catena](/source/Catena_(Biblical_commentary)) Aurea — Gospel of Matthew, chapter 27. So this terminology seems to have remained at least through the 13th century in European discussions.

### Nazarene beliefs

The beliefs of the Nazarene sect or sects are described through various church fathers and heresiologists.

- in Jesus as Messiah:

The Nazarenes... accept Messiah in such a way that they do not cease to observe the old Law.

— Jerome, On. Is. 8:14

- in the Virgin Birth:

They believe that the [Messiah](/source/Messiah) was born of the Virgin Mary.

— Jerome, Letter 75 Jerome to Augustine

- Adhering to circumcision and the Law of Moses:

They disagree with Jews because they have come to faith in Christ; but since they are still fettered by the Law – circumcision, the Sabbath, and the rest – they are not in accord with the Christians.

— [Epiphanius of Salamis](/source/Epiphanius_of_Salamis), *[Panarion](/source/Panarion)* 29.7.4

- Use of Old Testament and New Testament:

They use not only the New Testament but the Old Testament as well, as the Jews do.

— Epiphanius of Salamis, *Panarion* 29.7.2

- Use of Hebrew and Aramaic New Testament source texts:

They have the Gospel according to Matthew in its entirety in Hebrew. For it is clear that they still preserve this, in the Hebrew alphabet, as it was originally written.

— Epiphanius of Salamis, *Panarion* 29.9.4

And he [Hegesippus](/source/Hegesippus_(chronicler)) the Nazarene quotes some passages from the [Gospel according to the Hebrews](/source/Gospel_according_to_the_Hebrews) and from the Syriac [the Aramaic], and some particulars from the Hebrew tongue, showing that he was a convert from the Hebrews, and he mentions other matters as taken from the oral tradition of the Jews.

— [Eusebius](/source/Eusebius), *[Church History](/source/Church_History_(Eusebius))* 4.22

## Nazranis of India

The [Saint Thomas Christians](/source/Saint_Thomas_Christians) of Kerala, known locally as **Nasranis** or **Nazarenes**, have long been associated with [Jewish](/source/Jews) and Hebrew origins. This nomenclature was historically used to describe early [Jewish Christians](/source/Jewish_Christianity), suggesting that the Nasrani community have roots in Jewish communities of the Near East. Apostle [Thomas](/source/Thomas_the_Apostle), during his missionary endeavours, preached to dispersed Israelite communities in India, aligning with patterns observed in other apostle's missions. Dr. Ray A Pritz, in his thesis *Nazarene Jewish Christianity* mentions that "Christian" (followers of Christ) was originally used by the non-Christians to designate believers among the [Gentiles](/source/Gentile) while the **Nazarenes** was already used in Israel to describe Jewish adherents to the new Messianic sect. Further supporting this hypothesis are cultural and linguistic parallels between the Nasranis and Jewish communities in [Kerala](/source/Kerala), such as shared traditions and place names with Hebrew connotations. Also the fact that they enjoyed elite and commercial rights by the Chera king could have been possible since they share with the Jews having received the royal charter engraved on copper plates from [Cheraman Perumal](/source/Cheraman_Perumal) would be only possible if they were ethnically Jews because lower caste converts didn't have this privilege. They had the rights to sit before kings, ride horses, elephants, chariots and wear headgear just like the [Brahmins](/source/Brahmin).They were also given lordship over seventeen underprivileged castes. They also practiced and until today practice strict endogamy among themselves; also, conversions are discouraged in the non-Catholic traditional Syrian Christian denominations. Even [catholic](/source/Catholic_Church) Nazranis do not let converts or non-Nazarenes to participate or involve in their practices and customs and are given separate dioceses/parishes. Until the arrival of the [Portuguese](/source/Portuguese_India) they had strict [dietary customs](/source/Kashrut), and observed Jewish holidays such as [Passover](/source/Passover) and [Yom Kippur](/source/Yom_Kippur).Till today pesaha is observed and [unleavened bread](/source/Pesaha_appam) similar to a [matzah](/source/Matzah) is prepared in every Syrian Christian household on [Maundy Thursday](/source/Maundy_Thursday). In fact Y-DNA genetic signatures have been reported which indicate clear [Cohen](/source/Kohen) ([**Aaronic**](/source/Aaron)) ancestry, **[Levite](/source/Levite)** ancestry and [**Judahite**](/source/Tribe_of_Judah) ancestry. The Brahmin origin of these Christians are merely namesake which was the term used to denote priests in the Indian languages then is another claim. It is also a fact that the Apostle Thomas came in search for the Jews in India first to preach the gospel.[29][*[unreliable source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Reliable_sources)*][30]

## Nasoraean Mandaeans

Part of a series on Mandaeism Prophets Adam Seth Noah Shem John the Baptist Names for adherents Mandaeans Sabians Nasoraeans Gnostics Scriptures Ginza Rabba Right Ginza Left Ginza Mandaean Book of John Qulasta (list) Haran Gawaita The Wedding of the Great Shishlam The Baptism of Hibil Ziwa Diwan Abatur The Thousand and Twelve Questions Scroll of Exalted Kingship The Coronation of the Great Shishlam Alma Rišaia Rba Alma Rišaia Zuṭa Zihrun Raza Kasia Scroll of the Parwanaya Book of the Zodiac Dmut Kušṭa Scroll of the Rivers Secrets of the Ancestors Scroll of the Ancestors Priests Rishama Ganzibra Tarmida Shganda Individual leaders Miriai Shlama beth Qidra Zazai of Gawazta Anush Bar Danqa Yahya Bihram Dakhil Aidan Jabbar Choheili Sattar Jabbar Hilow Najah Choheili Salah Choheili Brikha Nasoraia Rituals Masbuta Masiqta Tamasha Rishama Kushta Qabin Misha Ritual food and drink Mambuha Halalta Hamra Pihta Fatira Zidqa brikha Lofani Sa Dukrana Practices Belief in Oneness of God Daily prayer Baptism Fasting Almsgiving Objects and symbols Drabsha Rasta Burzinqa Pandama Klila Taga Riha Skandola Cosmology Hayyi Rabbi World of Light Mana Manda Uthra Manda d-Hayyi Yushamin Abatur Ptahil Hibil Shitil Anush Sam Ziwa Bihram Rabba Adathan Yadathan Shilmai Nidbai Yawar Ziwa Simat Hayyi Yufin-Yufafin Nsab Nbat Gubran Shihlun Urfeil Marfeil Saureil Zihrun Etinsib Ziwa Piriawis Tarwan Yura Yurba Yukashar Ziwa Shahrat Malwasha Nishimta Dinanukht Shishlam Ezlat škina Dmuta Mshunia Kushta Adam kasia Adam pagria Shatrin Laufa Hitfun Tibil World of Darkness Sea of Suf Siniawis Matarta Ruha Ur Krun Gaf Qin Zahreil Anathan Giu Shdum Zartai-Zartanai Hag Mag Festivals Parwanaya Dehwa Rabba Dehwa d-Shishlam Rabba Dehwa Daimana Dehwa Hanina Abu al-Haris (Ashoriya) Ead Fel Places Yardena Beth Manda Shkinta Andiruna Prayers Sidra d-Nishmata Asut Malkia Rushuma Rahma Tabahatan Shumhata Bshuma Religion portal v t e

See also: [Nazarene (title) § Mandaeans](/source/Nazarene_(title)#Mandaeans), and [Mandaean priest](/source/Mandaean_priest)

Those few who are initiated into the secrets of the [Mandaean](/source/Mandaeism) religion are called *Naṣuraiia* or Nasoraeans/Nasaraeans meaning guardians or possessors of secret rites and knowledge.[31] According to the [Haran Gawaita](/source/Haran_Gawaita), Nasoraean Mandaeans fled [Jerusalem](/source/Jerusalem) before its [fall in 70 CE](/source/Siege_of_Jerusalem_(70_CE)) due to persecution.[32] The word *Naṣuraiia* may come from the root n-ṣ-r meaning "to keep", since although they reject the [Mosaic Law](/source/Law_of_Moses), they consider themselves to be keepers of [Gnosis](/source/Gnosis). [Epiphanius](/source/Epiphanius_of_Salamis) mentions a group called Nasaraeans (Νασαραίοι, [Part 18](https://web.archive.org/web/20150906041916/http://www.masseiana.org/panarion_bk1.htm#18) of the Panarion), distinguished from the "Nazoraioi" ([Part 29](https://web.archive.org/web/20150906041916/http://www.masseiana.org/panarion_bk1.htm#29)). According to [Joseph Lightfoot](/source/Joseph_Lightfoot), [Epiphanius](/source/Epiphanius_of_Salamis) also makes a distinction between the Ossaeans and the Nasaraeans,[33] the two main groups within the [Essenes](/source/Essenes):[34]

The Nasaraeans – they were Jews by nationality – originally from Gileaditis, Bashanitis and the Transjordan ... They acknowledged [Moses](/source/Moses) and believed that he had received laws – not this law, however, but some other. And so, they were Jews who kept all the Jewish observances, but they would not offer sacrifice or eat meat. They considered it unlawful to eat meat or make sacrifices with it. They claim that these [Books](/source/Torah) are fictions, and that none of these customs were instituted by the fathers. This was the difference between the Nasaraeans and the others.

— Epiphanius' Panarion 1:18

The Nasaraeans may be the same as the [Mandaeans](/source/Mandaeans) of today. [Epiphanius](/source/Epiphanius_of_Salamis) writes (29:6) that they existed before Christ. That is questioned by some, but others accept the pre-Christian origin of this group.[35]

Van Bladel (2017) suggests that the Mandaeans and Nasoraeans were historically separate groups, with the Nasoraeans being a Judeo-Christian priestly baptismal sect from central Mesopotamia that found followers from the indigenous Mandaeans of southern Mesopotamia. According to van Bladel's hypothesis, the original Mandaean laypeople had their Mesopotamian temples decimated due to temple pillaging during the Sasanian period and switched to the Nasoraean priests' religion in order to compensate for the loss of their former religion.[36] However, this hypothesis has been criticized by Predrag Bukovec and other scholars.[37] [Bogdan Burtea](/source/Bogdan_Burtea) (2008) has also proposed that the Nasoraeans and Mandaeans may have historically been separate groups.[38]

In the *[Ginza Rabba](/source/Ginza_Rabba)*, the term *Nasoraean* is used to refer to righteous Mandaeans, i.e., [Mandaean priests](/source/Mandaean_priest) (comparable to the concept of [*pneumatikoi*](/source/Pneumatic_(Gnosticism)) in Gnosticism).[39][40][41] As Nasoraeans, Mandaeans believe that they constitute the true congregation of *bnia nhura* meaning 'Sons of Light'.[42]: 50

## Modern "Nazarene" churches

A number of modern churches use the word "Nazarene" or variants in their name or beliefs:

- The [Apostolic Christian Church (Nazarene)](/source/Apostolic_Christian_Church_(Nazarene)), originating in the Swiss Nazarene Baptist movement;

- The [Church of the Nazarene](/source/Church_of_the_Nazarene), a [Protestant](/source/Protestant) Christian denomination that was born out of the [Holiness Movement](/source/Holiness_Movement) of the late 19th and early 20th centuries;

## See also

- [Early Christianity](/source/Early_Christianity)

- [Essenes](/source/Essenes)

- [Jewish Christians](/source/Jewish_Christians)

- [Judaizers](/source/Judaizers)

- [Mandaeism](/source/Mandaeism)

- [Messianic Judaism](/source/Messianic_Judaism)

- [St Thomas Christians](/source/St_Thomas_Christians)

- [Synagogal Judaism](/source/Synagogal_Judaism)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-strongs_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-strongs_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-strongs_1-2) "G3480", [*Lexicon*](https://biblehub.com/greek/strongs_3480.htm), Strong.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Acts 24:5 "For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes."

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** [נוצרי (Wiktionary), in singular](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%D7%A0%D7%95%D7%A6%D7%A8%D7%99)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** [نصراني](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%D9%86%D8%B5%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A) (singular). *Wiktionary*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** David C. Sim *The Gospel of Matthew and Christian Judaism* 1998 p182 "The Nazarenes are first mentioned by Epiphanius who records that they upheld the Torah, including the practice of circumcision and sabbath observance (Panarion 29:5.4; 7:2, 5; 8:1–7), read the Hebrew scriptures in the original Hebrew"

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Petri Luomanen "Nazarenes" in *A companion to second-century Christian "heretics"* pp279

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Memoirs of Dr. Joseph Priestley – Page 670 The term Ebionites occurs in Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen, and Eusebius but none makes any mention of Nazarenes. They must have been even more considerable in the time of these writers,

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Edward Hare *The principal doctrines of Christianity defended* 1837 p318 "The Nazarenes of ecclesiastical history adhered to the law of their fathers; whereas when Tertullus accused Paul as "a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes," he accused him as one who despised the law, and " had gone about to the temple," Acts xxiv, 5, 6. "

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Frank Ely Gaebelein, James Dixon Douglas *The Expositor's Bible commentary: with the New International Version 1984* "Matthew certainly used *Nazōraios* as an adjectival form of *apo Nazaret* ("from Nazareth" or "Nazarene"), even though the more acceptable adjective is *Nazarēnos* (cf. Bonnard, Brown, Albright and Mann, Soares Prabhu)."

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Teppler, Yaakov Y; Weingarten, Susan (2007), *Birkat haMinim: Jews and Christians in conflict in the ancient world*, p. 52, This presumption is strengthened by the statement of Tertullian: The Christ of the Creator had to be called a Nazarene... Unde et ipso nomine nos Iudaei Nazarenos appellant per eum. Nam et sumus iie auibus scriptum est: Nazaraei....

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Schnelle, Udo (1987), *Antidoketische Christologie im Johannesevangelium*, p. 41, usquehodiein synagogis suis sub nomine Nazarenorum blasphemant populum christianum... 191; In Esaiam: ...in blasphemiis et ter per singulos dies in omnibus synagogis sub nomine Nazarenorum anathematizent uocabulum Christianum...

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** *Bulletin*, School of Oriental Studies, 2002.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Epiphanius Panarion 29

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Priestley, Dr Joseph, *Memoirs*, The term Ebionites occurs in Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen, and Eusebius but none of them make any mention of Nazarenes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Ehrhardt, Arnold, *The Acts of the Apostles*, p. 114, (John 1 :46) is an apt commentary upon this development, for there seems to be no evidence to support the thesis of a... We only mention it because it has given rise to all sorts of speculations amongst the more imaginative students of Christian origins

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Metzger, Bruce Manning (1977), *The early versions of the New Testament*, p. 86, Peshitta Matt, and Luke... nasraya, 'of Nazareth'

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** [Jennings, William](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=William_Jennings_(Syriacist)&action=edit&redlink=1) (1926), *Lexicon to the Syriac New Testament*, p. 143

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** [Smith, Robert Payne](/source/Robert_Payne_Smith) (1903), *Compendious Syriac Dictionary*, p. 349.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Panarion 29.5.6

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** See: Jonathan Bourgel, "[The Jewish Christians’ Move from Jerusalem as a pragmatic choice](https://www.academia.edu/4909339/The_Jewish_Christians_Move_from_Jerusalem_as_a_Pragmatic_Choice)", in: [Dan Jaffé](/source/Dan_Jaff%C3%A9) (ed), *Studies in Rabbinic Judaism and Early Christianity*, Leyden: Brill, 2010, pp. 107–38.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Krauss_21-0)** [Krauss, Samuel](/source/Samuel_Krauss). ["Nazarenes"](http://jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=140&letter=N&search=nazarenes). *Jewish Encyclopedia*. Retrieved 2007-08-23.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Hegg_2007_22-0)** Hegg, Tim (2007), [*The Virgin Birth: An Inquiry into the Biblical Doctrine*](https://web.archive.org/web/20070821045706/http://www.torahresource.com/EnglishArticles/VirginBirth.pdf) (PDF), TorahResource, archived from [the original](http://www.torahresource.com/EnglishArticles/VirginBirth.pdf) (PDF) on 21 August 2007, retrieved 13 August 2007

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["Nazarenes from the McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia"](https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031231/https://www.biblicalcyclopedia.com/N/nazarenes.html). *McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia Online*. Archived from [the original](https://www.biblicalcyclopedia.com/N/nazarenes.html) on 2017-12-01. Retrieved 2024-05-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Strong (1874), *Cyclopedia*, vol. 1, New York, p. 660{{[citation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Citation)}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_location_missing_publisher))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["CHURCH FATHERS: Letter 75 (Augustine) or 112 (Jerome)"](https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1102075.htm). *www.newadvent.org*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** ["NAZARENES - JewishEncyclopedia.com"](https://jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/11393-nazarenes). *jewishencyclopedia.com*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** Filaster (ca. 397 CE) was a bishop who wrote the *"Book of Diverse Heresies"* (lived about the time of [Epiphanius](/source/Epiphanius_of_Salamis)). Pritz, Ray, *Nazarene Jewish Christianity: from the end of the New Testament period until its disappearance in the fourth century*, p. 73 ft.12, The sect of Filaster (Nazorei/Nazarei) derives somehow from the Nazirites and accepts the Law and prophets.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** Parks, James (1974), *The Conflict of The Church and The Synagogue*, New York: Atheneum, pp. 397–98.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** ["Hebrew BrahminRootsOfMarThomaNazranees | PDF | Jews | Israelites"](https://www.scribd.com/document/104810073/Hebrew-BrahminRootsOfMarThomaNazranees).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** Vadakkekara, Benedict (2007). [*Origin of Christianity in India: A Historiographical Critique*](https://books.google.com/books?id=7f3YAAAAMAAJ). Media House. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-81-7495-258-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-81-7495-258-5).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-RudolphEI_31-0)** Rudolph, Kurt (7 April 2008). ["MANDAEANS ii. THE MANDAEAN RELIGION"](https://iranicaonline.org/articles/mandaeans-2-religion). *Encyclopaedia Iranica*. Retrieved 3 January 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** Buckley, Jorunn Jacobsen(2010). Turning the Tables on Jesus: The Mandaean View. In Horsley, Richard (March 2010). [Christian Origins](https://books.google.com/books?id=ncuQxl5Ate0C&dq=buckley+mandaean+turning+the+table+on+jesus&pg=PA109). Fortress Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781451416640](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781451416640).(pp94-11). Minneapolis: Fortress Press

1. **[^](#cite_ref-panarion1-19_33-0)** [Epiphanius of Salamis](/source/Epiphanius_of_Salamis) (c. 378). *[Panarion](/source/Panarion)*. 1:19.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-lightfoot1875_34-0)** [Lightfoot, Joseph Barber](/source/Joseph_Barber_Lightfoot). "On Some Points Connected with the Essenes". *St. Paul's epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon: a revised text with introductions, notes, and dissertations*. London: [Macmillan Publishers](/source/Macmillan_Publishers). [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [6150927](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/6150927).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Drower1960_35-0)** [Drower, Ethel Stephana](/source/E._S._Drower) (1960). [*The secret Adam, a study of Nasoraean gnosis*](http://holybooks.lichtenbergpress.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Secret-Adam-A-Study-of-Nasoraen-Gnosis.pdf) (PDF). London UK: Clarendon Press. xvi. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140306132110/http://holybooks.lichtenbergpress.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Secret-Adam-A-Study-of-Nasoraen-Gnosis.pdf) (PDF) from the original on March 6, 2014., p. xiv.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-VanBladel2017_36-0)** van Bladel, Kevin (2017). [*From Sasanian Mandaeans to Ṣābians of the Marshes*](https://brill.com/view/title/34389). Leiden: Brill. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1163/9789004339460](https://doi.org/10.1163%2F9789004339460). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-90-04-33943-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-90-04-33943-9).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-37)** Bukovec, Predrag (2018-06-22). "Van Bladel, Kevin, From Sasanian Mandaeans to Ṣābians of the Marshes (Leiden Studies in Islam and Society—6), Leiden-Boston: Brill, 2017—164 pp". *Iran and the Caucasus*. **22** (2): 211–213. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1163/1573384X-20180210](https://doi.org/10.1163%2F1573384X-20180210). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [1609-8498](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1609-8498).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-38)** Burtea, Bogdan. "Zur Entstehung der mandäischen Schrift. Iranischer oder aramäischer Ursprung?" In: Rainer Voigt (ed.), *Und das Leben ist siegreich! Mandäische und samaritanische Literatur*, Wiesbaden, 2008: 47-62.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Buckley_2002_39-0)** Buckley, Jorunn Jacobsen (2002). *The Mandaeans: ancient texts and modern people*. New York: Oxford University Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-19-515385-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-19-515385-5). [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [65198443](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/65198443).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Buckley2010_40-0)** Buckley, Jorunn Jacobsen (2010). *The great stem of souls: reconstructing Mandaean history*. Piscataway, N.J: Gorgias Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-59333-621-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-59333-621-9).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-GR_Gelbert_41-0)** Gelbert, Carlos (2011). [*Ginza Rba*](https://livingwaterbooks.com.au/product/ginza-rba/). Sydney: Living Water Books. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780958034630](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780958034630).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-BSN_42-0)** Brikhah S. Nasoraia (2012). ["Sacred Text and Esoteric Praxis in Sabian Mandaean Religion"](http://isamveri.org/pdfdrg/D201813/2012_I/2012_I_NASORAIAB.pdf) (PDF).

## Further reading

- Broadhead, E.K. (2010). ["Nazarenes"](https://books.google.com/books?id=C97_rPZRbuUC&pg=PA163). *Jewish Ways of Following Jesus: Redrawing the Religious Map of Antiquity*. [Coronet Books](/source/Coronet_Books). p. 163ff. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-3-16-150304-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-3-16-150304-7).

- Davies, W.D.; Finkelstein, L.; Horbury, W.; Sturdy, J.; Katz, S.T.; Hart, M.B.; Michels, T. (1984). [*The Cambridge History of Judaism: The early Roman period*](https://archive.org/details/cambridgehis_xxxx_1984_004_8494287). Cambridge University Press. p. [741](https://archive.org/details/cambridgehis_xxxx_1984_004_8494287/page/n772)-772. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-521-24377-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-521-24377-3).

- Kruger, M.J. (2005). [*The Gospel of the Savior: An Analysis of P. Oxy. 840 and Its Place in the Gospel Traditions of Early Christianity*](https://books.google.com/books?id=KZttl7QL8NAC&pg=PA230). Texts And Editions for New Testament Study. Brill. p. 230ff. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-90-04-14393-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-90-04-14393-7).

- Pritz, R. (1988). [*Nazarene Jewish Christianity: From the End of the New Testament Period Until Its Disappearance in the Fourth Century*](https://books.google.com/books?id=vh84AAAAIAAJ). [Hebrew University Magnes Press](/source/Hebrew_University_of_Jerusalem). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-90-04-08108-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-90-04-08108-6).

## External links

- [Nazarene Israel](https://nazareneisrael.org/)

- [Netzari Faith](http://netzarifaith.org/)

- [Natzraya International - The Sect of the Nazarenes](http://www.natzraya.org)[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

- [Nazarene Judaism](http://nazarenejudaism.com/)

- [Catena Aurea – Gospel of Matthew Ch. 27](http://www.ccel.org/ccel/aquinas/catena1.ii.xxvii.html)

- [Catholic Encyclopedia: Nazarene](http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10724b.htm)

- [Epiphanius of Salamis' Panarion](https://books.google.com/books?id=s9-utOHPLfEC&dq=Panarion&pg=PA112)

- [Eusebius of Caesarea's Ecclesiastical History 4.22](http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf201.iii.ix.xxii.html)

- [Jerome's Lives of Illustrius Men Ch. 3](http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf203.v.iii.v.html)

- [Jewish Encyclopedia: Nazarenes](http://jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=140&letter=N&search=nazarenes)

- [Letter 75 Jerome to Augustine](http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1102075.htm)

- [NetzariPedia: The Term Nazarene Pt1](http://www.netzarim.info/index.php/The_Term_%22Nazarene%22_Part_1) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130309040339/http://www.netzarim.info/index.php/The_Term_%22Nazarene%22_Part_1) 2013-03-09 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

- [The Golden Legend, Regarding St. James the Martyr being a Nazarene](https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/basis/goldenlegend/GoldenLegend-Volume7.asp)

- [Le Grand Secret de l'Islam](https://legrandsecretdelislam.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/le-grand-secret-de-lislam-4e-ed-2020.pdf)

v t e Mandaeism People Mandaeans Mandaean Americans Mandaean Australians Mandaeans in Sweden Sabians Nasoraeans Historical identities Essenes Gnostics Kentaeans Priesthood Titles Rishama Ganzibra Tarmida (Shganda) Individuals (List of Mandaean priests) Shlama beth Qidra Zazai of Gawazta Anush bar Danqa Yahya Bihram Ram Zihrun Bibia Mudalal Abdullah Khaffagi Negm bar Zahroon Dakhil Aidan Abdullah bar Sam Abdullah bar Negm Sattar Jabbar Hilow Taleb Doraji Jabbar Choheili Najah Choheili Salah Choheili Khaldoon Majid Abdullah Sahi Bashikh Yuhana Nashmi Brikha Nasoraia Rafid al-Sabti Salwan Alkhamas Institutions Mandaean Council of Ahvaz Sabian Mandaean Association in Australia Literature Main texts Ginza Rabba Right Ginza Left Ginza Mandaean Book of John Prayers Qulasta (list) Sidra d-Nishmata (CP 1–103) Rushuma (CP 104) Asut Malkia (CP 105) Eniana Rahma Tabahatan (CP 170) Shal Shulta (CP 171) Shumhata (CP 173) King of Kings (CP 176) Kušṭa asiak (CP 178) Kd azil bhira dakia Priestly texts The Thousand and Twelve Questions Scroll of Exalted Kingship The Coronation of the Great Shishlam The Wedding of the Great Shishlam Alma Rišaia Rba Alma Rišaia Zuṭa Zihrun Raza Kasia Scroll of the Parwanaya Scroll of the Great Baptism Scroll of the Ancestors The Baptism of Hibil Ziwa Scroll of Abatur Dmut Kušṭa Secrets of the Ancestors Scroll of the Rivers Book of the Zodiac Historical texts Haran Gawaita Apotropaic texts Incantation bowls Lead rolls Pišra d-Ainia Cosmology Tibil Yardna World of Light Hayyi Rabbi Shkina Piriawis Mshunia Kushta Tarwan Yasana Uthras Yushamin Abatur Ptahil Hibil Shitil Anush Sam Ziwa Manda d-Hayyi Shilmai Nidbai Adathan and Yadathan Yufin-Yufafin Urfeil and Marfeil Tar and Tarwan Bihram Zihrun Etinsib Ziwa Nbat Nsab Gubran Shihlun Yura Yurba Yukabar Yukashar Yawar Ziwa Simat Hayyi Saureil Concepts Anana Gufna Ziwa Intermediary realms Matarta Hitfun Shahrat Shatrin World of Darkness Sea of Suf Siniawis Mšiha Demons Ruha Ur Krun Gaf Qin Anathan Shdum Giu Hag and Mag Zartai-Zartanai Zahreil Planets Shamish (Sun) Libat (Venus) Nbu (Mercury) Sin (Moon) Kiwan (Saturn) Bil (Jupiter) Nirig (Mars) Important figures Adam Seth Abel Enosh Noah Shem Miriai Elizabeth John the Baptist Mythical figures Dinanukht Shishlam Ezlat Concepts Kushta (truth) Manda (gnosis) Laufa (communion) Dmuta (image) Nishimta (soul) Ruha (spirit) Mana (mind) Adam Kasia (hidden Adam) Adam Pagria (bodily Adam) Objects and symbols Drabsha (banner) Misha (oil) Riha (incense) Skandola (talisman seal) Tariana (tray) Ritual food and drink Drinks Mambuha Halalta Hamra Foods Pihta Fatira Sa Meals Dukrana Lofani Zidqa brikha Clothing Rasta (robe) Burzinqa (turban) Pandama (mouth-veil) Himiana (girdle) Margna (staff) Klila (wreath) Taga (crown) Rituals and practices Masbuta (baptism) Tamasha (triple ablution) Rishama (minor ablution) Masiqta (death mass) Qabin (wedding) Brakha (prayer) Sahduta (creed) Bshuma (name of God) Sauma (fasting) Zidqa (almsgiving) Naming Buildings and structures Mandi Baghdad Mandi Ganzibra Dakhil Mandi Yahya Yuhana Mandi Wallacia Mandi Shkinta Andiruna Calendar Feasts Dehwa Rabba Feast of the Great Shishlam Dehwa Hanina Abu al-Haris Parwanaya Dehwa Daimana Months Daula Nuna ʿmbra Taura Ṣilmia Sarṭana Aria Šumbulta Qaina Arqba Hiṭia Gadia Epochs Adam and Eve Ram and Rud Shurbai and Sharhabeil Noah and Nuraita Language Mandaic Neo-Mandaic Alphabet Unicode block Scholarly disciplines Mandaean studies Category · Outline

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Nazarene (sect)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazarene_(sect)) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazarene_(sect)?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.