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