William Shakespeare & The Bible

Was William Shakespeare involved in the translation of the King James Version of the Bible?

The KJV was first published in 1611, when Shakespeare was 46 years old and near the end of his prolific life. He would die 5 years later in 1616.

Because of Shakespeare's literary prowess, and given the fact that the KJV was published in England during his lifetime, there have always been rumors and conjecture that Shakespeare may have been involved in the translation of the KJV.

Psalm 46 may provide a clue.

Remember that Shakespeare would have been 46 years old when the KJV was first published.

Now look at Psalm 46, verses 3 and 9, in the KJV.

Psalm 46:3 contains the word "shake."

Psalm 46:9 contains the word "spear."

Some people believe that Shakespeare was involved in the KJV, and that he deliberately snuck those two words into Psalm 46:3 and Psalm 46:9 to put his signature on the work.

Is it true?

I have no idea.

But it makes for a fascinating coincidence, if nothing else!