תֻּמִּים (tum.mim)
tum.mim
Thummim
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word tummim signifies completeness or perfection. In Scripture, it appears exclusively in a compound phrase alongside urim, forming the "Urim and Thummim." This pair functioned as sacred lots used by the high priest to discern God’s will for Israel, particularly regarding national decisions and military campaigns.
Its root relates to integrity and wholeness, suggesting that the method of revelation was not arbitrary but reflected divine order. The sources note these were likely stones or objects kept in the high priest’s breastplate, as described in Leviticus 8:8 and Exodus 28:30. Their use is recorded in historical books like Nehemiah and Ezra, where they served as a means of seeking guidance when prophetic voices were silent.
Translators often leave the term untranslated, preserving its mystery. This choice highlights that tummim was not a common object but a specific instrument of sacred inquiry. The pairing with urim, meaning "lights," creates a dual concept: illumination and perfection. Together, they represent a complete revelation of God’s direction, trusted by leaders to ensure decisions aligned with His perfect will.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tummim, meaning completeness or perfection, appears only in Scripture alongside urim as the Urim and Thummim. These were sacred objects kept in the high priest’s breastplate, used to discern God’s will for Israel (Exodus 28:30). Their name suggests that divine guidance was not random but reflected God’s perfect order and integrity.
For believers today, this reminds us that God’s direction is trustworthy. When leaders sought His counsel, they relied on this instrument of revelation. Though we no longer use physical lots, the principle remains: God leads with clarity and wholeness. We can trust that His guidance, when sought in faith, aligns with His perfect character.
This ancient practice highlights the seriousness of seeking God’s will. It was not a casual matter but a sacred responsibility entrusted to the priesthood. Today, we are invited to approach God with similar reverence, knowing He desires to lead us in truth and completeness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Thummim2×
- and/ to/ Thummim1×
- and/ Thummim1×
- Thummim/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תֻּמֶּ֥י/ךָ1×
- וּ/לְ/תֻמִּֽים\׃1×
- וְ/תוּמִּֽים\׃1×
- הַ/תֻּמִּֽים\׃1×
- הַ/תֻּמִּ֔ים1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 28:30
You shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be on Aaron’s heart, when he goes in before Yahweh. Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel on his heart before Yahweh continually.
This verse establishes the primary function of tummim as part of the high priest’s breastplate, used to bear Israel’s judgment before God continually.
-
Leviticus 8:8
He placed the breastplate on him. He put the Urim and Thummim in the breastplate.
It records the consecration moment when tummim were placed in the breastplate, signifying their sacred role from the start of Aaron’s ministry.
-
Ezra 2:63
The governor told them that they should not eat of the most holy things until a priest stood up to serve with Urim and with Thummim.
This occurrence shows tummim’s continued importance in post-exilic worship, where priests without them were barred from holy duties until proper guidance was restored.