Lexical Summary
Tummim: Perfections
Original Word:תֻּמִים
Part of Speech:Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration:Tummiym
Pronunciation:too-MEEM
Phonetic Spelling:(toom-meem')
KJV: Thummim
NASB:Thummim
Word Origin:[plural ofH8537 (תּוֹם - integrity)]
1. perfections, i.e. (techn.) one of the epithets of the objects in the high-priest's breastplate as an emblem of complete Truth
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Thummim
Plural oftom; perfections, i.e. (techn.) One of the epithets of the objects in the high-priest's breastplate as an emblem of complete Truth -- Thummim.
see HEBREWtom
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originprobably the same as
tom, q.v.
NASB TranslationThummim (5).
Topical Lexicon
Designation and Basic ConceptThummim (תֻּמִים) is consistently joined with the Urim to form the phrase “Urim and Thummim,” an ordained instrument by which the high priest sought specific guidance from the LORD for the covenant community. While exact mechanics remain unrevealed, the term itself conveys ideas of perfection, completeness, or truth, suggesting that the answers obtained were both flawless and righteous.
Canonical Appearances
1.Exodus 28:30 introduces the Thummim as part of the high priest’s breastpiece of judgment, “so that Aaron may always bear the judgment of the Israelites over his heart before the LORD.”
2.Leviticus 8:8 records Moses installing the breastpiece and setting in the Urim and Thummim during Aaron’s consecration.
3.Deuteronomy 33:8 associates the Thummim with Levi’s priestly calling: “Your Thummim and Urim belong to Your godly one whom You tested at Massah and challenged at the waters of Meribah.”
4.Ezra 2:63 andNehemiah 7:65 note post-exilic priests whose lineage was uncertain; they were withheld from eating the most holy food “until a priest could consult the Urim and Thummim.”
Function within the Priestly Service
Placed over the high priest’s heart, the Thummim emphasized the mediatorial role of intercession and judgment. Inquiries appear to have been limited to critical covenantal decisions—warfare (1 Samuel 28:6 implies its use), tribal allotment, or leadership legitimacy. The mechanism—whether stones, lots, or shining facets—remains unspecified, underscoring that efficacy rested not in objects but in God’s direct response.
Historical Development
• Wilderness Period: As Israel journeyed from Sinai, the Thummim offered concrete assurance of divine presence amid formative national crises.
• Monarchy: Though references are sparse, the high priest apparently continued to employ the Thummim until the Babylonian exile, after which direct mention of its active use ceases.
• Post-Exilic Community: Ezra and Nehemiah’s generation still regarded the Thummim as the definitive means to resolve priestly legitimacy, yet no record shows any actual consultation, hinting the instrument may have been lost with the first temple’s destruction.
Theological Significance
1. Revelation: The Thummim illustrates God’s gracious willingness to grant precise guidance, prefiguring the fuller revelation given in Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).
2. Mediation: Answers were mediated through the high priest, foreshadowing the perfect High Priest who “always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25).
3. Holiness: Because the Thummim rested over the priest’s heart, decision-making was inseparable from holiness and covenant loyalty.
Continuity into the New Covenant
Prophetic anticipation looked toward a day when expert consultation with sacred objects would be surpassed by the outpoured Spirit (Joel 2:28). In the church age, guidance is granted through the completed canon of Scripture, the indwelling Spirit, and collective discernment (Acts 13:2). Thus, while the physical Thummim disappeared, its purpose is fulfilled as believers “test everything; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
Practical Ministry Applications
• Reliance on Divine Revelation: Leaders should seek God’s will in prayerful submission to Scripture rather than mere pragmatism.
• Integrity in Decision-Making: The symbolism of “perfections” urges purity of motive and transparency.
• Priesthood of Believers: Every Christian, indwelt by the Spirit, is now equipped to discern truth, yet remains accountable to the collective wisdom of the body of Christ.
Summary
Thummim served as a tangible assurance that the covenant people were never left to human wisdom alone. Though the object has passed from use, its legacy endures in the church’s confidence that God still guides with perfect truth.
Forms and Transliterations
הַתֻּמִּ֔ים הַתֻּמִּֽים׃ התמים התמים׃ וְתוּמִּֽים׃ וּלְתֻמִּֽים׃ ולתמים׃ ותומים׃ תֻּמֶּ֥יךָ תמיך hat·tum·mîm hattumMim hattummîm tum·me·ḵā tumMeicha tummeḵā ū·lə·ṯum·mîm uletumMim ūləṯummîm vetumMim wə·ṯūm·mîm wəṯūmmîm
Links
Interlinear Greek •
Interlinear Hebrew •
Strong's Numbers •
Englishman's Greek Concordance •
Englishman's Hebrew Concordance •
Parallel Texts
