CategoryBackground / Priestly Discernment Object
Modern Equivalentsacred means of priestly discernment.
KJV Word TypePriestly object / discernment term
DefinitionSacred objects used by the high priest to discern God’s will. Their exact nature is unknown, but they were placed in the breastplate of judgment and associated with priestly decision-making before the LORD.
Key Verses"And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron’s heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually." (Exodus 28:30)
KJV Usage NoteTheir exact form is not explained in Scripture; the phrase is tied to priestly discernment of God’s judgment or will.
Common MisunderstandingTheir exact form is not described in Scripture, so they should not be treated as fully explained objects or magical devices.
EtymologyFrom Hebrew ’ūrīm ("lights") and tummīm ("perfections").