thummim: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely rareReligious, Historical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “thummim” mean?
An ancient object or objects used in biblical times, particularly associated with the priestly breastplate (hoshen), often mentioned together with 'urim', as instruments for divine revelation or decision-making.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An ancient object or objects used in biblical times, particularly associated with the priestly breastplate (hoshen), often mentioned together with 'urim', as instruments for divine revelation or decision-making.
In modern usage, refers exclusively to these biblical objects. Sometimes used metaphorically in theological or literary contexts to denote a means of obtaining absolute truth or divine guidance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage between UK and US English. The term is confined to identical biblical/academic contexts.
Connotations
Archaising, scholarly, specifically Judeo-Christian religious heritage.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties. Slightly higher frequency in American English due to references in literature of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism).
Grammar
How to Use “thummim” in a Sentence
[the] Urim and Thummim + [V] (were consulted, provided)[the] Thummim + [Prep] (of the breastplate)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biblical studies, theology, and ancient history papers discussing Levitical practices.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Not used in modern technical fields; specific to historical/religious technical discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thummim”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thummim”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thummim”
- Using it in singular form ('a thummim').
- Using it independently without 'Urim and'.
- Mispronouncing the 'th' as /t/ instead of /θ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The word is a Hebrew plural generally understood to mean 'perfections' or 'truths'. It refers to objects used to discern divine will.
Almost never. It is a linguistic fossil, preserved almost exclusively in the paired biblical phrase 'Urim and Thummim'.
Yes, most notably in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where it refers to instruments used with seer stones for translation.
It is pronounced /ˈθʊmɪm/, with a 'th' as in 'thin', a short 'u' as in 'put', and emphasis on the first syllable.
An ancient object or objects used in biblical times, particularly associated with the priestly breastplate (hoshen), often mentioned together with 'urim', as instruments for divine revelation or decision-making.
Thummim is usually religious, historical, academic in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "THUMB + MIMic" – The high priest's THUMB might MIMic pointing to an answer using the Thummim.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIVINE GUIDANCE IS A PHYSICAL TOOL.
Practice
Quiz
The term 'Thummim' is most accurately described as: