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