Meaning & use
dwelleth
Last updated
“dwelleth” is a form of “dwell”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbintransitivearchaicreligion
Lives in a particular place; used in old religious or poetic English for 'dwells'.
Grammar: Takes no object; often used with 'in' or 'on' to show place or focus: dwelleth in the house.
Patterns
- dwelleth in a place
- dwelleth among people
- dwelleth on something
The Lord dwelleth in the holy temple.
He dwelleth among his people forever.
In that ancient psalm, the writer says that peace dwelleth in the heart of the faithful.
verbintransitivearchaic
Continues to think or talk about something for a long time; used in old texts for 'dwells on'.
Grammar: Followed by 'on' or 'upon': dwelleth on a subject.
Patterns
- dwelleth on a matter
- dwelleth upon a thought
The old scholar dwelleth too long on small details.
She dwelleth upon the memory of her youth.
Common combinations
- dwelleth in
- The Spirit dwelleth in the hearts of believers.
- dwelleth among
- He dwelleth among the poor and the humble.
- dwelleth on
- The preacher dwelleth on the importance of forgiveness.
- dwelleth with
- In that old story, a wise woman dwelleth with the tribe.
Synonyms and how they differ
- dwells
- The modern third-person singular form; use this in everyday speech and writing instead of 'dwelleth'.
- abides
- Also archaic or literary, but still used in some religious contexts; it can mean 'lives' or 'remains'.
- resides
- More formal and neutral; used in official or legal contexts, not in religious poetry.
Word family
Commonly confused: dwelleth or dwell?
dwelleth vs dwell
'Dwell' is the base form and can be used with I, you, we, they; 'dwelleth' is only for he, she, it in archaic style.
Practice
In the old hymn, the line reads: 'He ______ in the secret place of the Most High.' Which word correctly fills the gap?
Choose one answer.
'Dwelleth' is the archaic third-person singular form that fits the old hymn style. 'Dwell' would be ungrammatical with 'he' in this context, and 'dwelling' is a participle, not a finite verb.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “dwelleth”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.