Bible Dictionary
THRUM
A thrum is the hanging warp thread at the end of a loom. In Isaiah 38:12, the image of being cut off from the loom pictures the sudden ending of a person’s life or earthly course.
Definition
A thrum is the hanging warp thread at the end of a loom. It is a technical term used in weaving for threads that hang down from the woven work.
Biblical Usage
Isaiah’s image of being cut off from the loom, with “thrum” in the margin, portrays the sudden ending of a person’s life or earthly course.
Historical Background
The term suits a Hebrew expression meaning “that which hangs down.” A misunderstanding of this image led the King James Version to render the passage as “pining sickness.”
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>thrum: In Isa 38:12 the Revised Version (British and American) reads "He will cut me off from the loom," margin "thrum." "Thrum" is a technical term of weavers, denoting the threads of the warp hanging down in a loom, suiting dallah, "that which hangs down" (So 7:5, "hair"). A misinterpretation of "hanging down" is responsible for the King James' "pining sickness."</p>