The spelling of the word "doeth with" may seem perplexing to some, as it contains the archaic suffix "-eth" which indicates the third person singular present tense in Early Modern English. The word "doeth" is pronounced /dʌɪθ/ in the IPA phonetic transcription, with the final "th" sound similar to that of "bath" or "math". The addition of the preposition "with" following "doeth" emphasizes the action being taken. This particular construction is rarely used in modern English, but understanding its historical origins can broaden our appreciation of language's evolution over time.
"Doeth with" is a phrase derived from Old English, specifically the archaic form of the present tense third person singular verb "do." In modern English, it is most commonly associated with the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, where it frequently appears in poetic or biblical passages.
The phrase "doeth with" essentially means "acts upon" or "performs." It refers to the actions or behaviors undertaken by someone, typically presented in a formal or biblical context. It implies the carrying out of a specific task, duty, or command, often with a sense of authority or power.
In its biblical usage, "doeth with" often emphasizes divine intervention or God's actions. It highlights the execution of God's will or the manifestation of His power. For instance, one might come across phrases like "what God doeth with man" or "what the Lord doeth with the righteous."
While "doeth with" is relatively obsolete in modern English usage, it is still occasionally encountered in religious or poetic contexts that aim to evoke an archaic or formal tone. It can be seen as a linguistic relic that adds a sense of depth, tradition, or solemnity to the language. Nonetheless, it is important to note that this phrase is highly uncommon in contemporary speech, and its understanding is often limited to those who are familiar with archaic forms of English or biblical literature.
The phrase "doeth with" consists of two Old English words: "doth" and "with". Here is the breakdown of their etymology:
1. Doth: "Doth" is the third-person singular form of the Old English verb "don" which means "to do". It is derived from the West Germanic word "don" and shares common roots with other Germanic languages such as German "tun" and Dutch "doen". Over time, "don" evolved into "doth" in Old English, which is the archaic form of the verb that was used in the third-person singular present tense.
2. With: "With" is a preposition in English that indicates association or accompanying someone or something. It can be traced back to the Old English word "wið" with similar meanings.