Urim and Thummim

[ yoor-im, oor-; thuhm-im, toom- ]

plural noun

, Judaism.

1. objects, possibly made of metal or precious stones and inscribed with symbols, worn in the breastplate of the high priest and used, perhaps like lots, to determine God's response to a question answerable by “yes” or “no.” Exodus 28:30.

Urim and Thummim

/ ˈθʌmɪm; ˈjʊərɪm /

noun

1. Old Testament two objects probably used as oracles and carried in the breastplate of the high priest (Exodus 28:30)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Urim and Thummim¹

First recorded in 1530–40; partial translation of Hebrew ūrīm wəthummīm, of very uncertain meaning, possibly, “lights and integrity” or “lights and perfections,” equivalent to ūrīm, intensive plural of ūr “a light,” wə- “and,” and tummīm, plural of tōm “truth, perfection”

Word History and Origins

Origin of Urim and Thummim¹

C16: from Hebrew

Example Sentences

“They’re called Urim and Thummim, and they can help you to read the omens.”

From Literature

His also was the broad plate of gold, covering the breast, reminding of the Urim and Thummim.

From Project Gutenberg

When the actual work of translation began, the Urim and Thummim were found indispensable, and in various places the statement is made that the translation was made, "by means of the Urim and Thummim."

From Project Gutenberg

The Urim and Thummim of the High Priest was originally nothing but these lots.

From Project Gutenberg

The second temple was much smaller than, and very inferior to, the first, and from it were wanting the ark, the Shechinah glory, the sacred fire, and the Urim and Thummim.

From Project Gutenberg