Urim and Thummim

American  

[yoor-im, oor-, thuhm-im, toom-] / ˈyʊər ɪm, ˈʊər-, ˈθʌm ɪm, ˈtʊm- /

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.

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Urim and Thummim British  

/ ˈθʌmɪm, ˈjʊərɪm /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of Urim and Thummim

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”

Example Sentences

He told the boy it was no coincidence that he had met him with Urim and Thummim in his hand.

From Literature

A round window in the north wall, divided into twelve panes of coloured glass, is symbolical of the twelve tribes of Israel, and a type 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