The Myth of William Shakespeare and the Bible

There is a common misconception that William Shakespeare, the renowned English playwright and poet, had something to do with writing the Bible, especially the New Testament. However, such claims are entirely unfounded based on historical and scholarly evidence. This article aims to dispel these myths and provide accurate information on when and how the Bible was written and translated.

Did William Shakespeare Write the Bible?

No, William Shakespeare had nothing to do with writing the Bible. The Bible, which includes the Old and New Testaments, was completed long before Shakespeare's time. The Old Testament was primarily written between 1200 and 165 BC, while the New Testament books were written by Christians in the first century AD. These dates are well before Shakespeare's era, which spanned between 1590 and 1613 AD.

Speculations and Misinformation

Despite the common misconception, various speculations have surfaced, suggesting that Shakespeare might have had a hand in writing parts of the Bible, particularly the Psalms. One such speculation is based on coincidental phrases found in Psalm 46. However, these coincidences are often overinterpreted and do not provide substantial evidence of Shakespeare's involvement. The words “shake” and “spear” in Psalm 46 are normal translations from the Hebrew text and can be found in many versions without Shakespeare's influence.

Bible Translations and Shakespeare's Time

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, one of the most famous English translations, was published in 1611, just before Shakespeare's death. Given that Shakespeare lived and worked primarily in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, it is not surprising that the language used in the KJV, including some poetic expressions, might sound similar to his works.

However, it is important to note that Shakespeare did not participate in the translation of the KJV or any other Bible version. The translators of the KJV were motivated by their religious beliefs and desires to produce an accessible and accurate English version of the scriptures. Shakespeare's works and those of the KJV translators were created independently and in different contexts.

Myth-Busting Claims

Another set of claims circulating online suggests that Shakespeare wrote not just the Bible, but also other works like Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and Peppa Pig episodes. Such claims are entirely baseless and reflect a lack of understanding of literary history and authorship.

A particularly egregious example of such misinformation includes the claim that Shakespeare wrote the American Constitution in a small shed behind a bakery in Orpington, UK, and smuggled it to America. These stories are not supported by any historical or scholarly evidence and should be disregarded.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is no credible evidence to suggest that Shakespeare had any hand in writing the Bible or any of its translations. The Bible and Shakespeare's works were created during different historical periods and serve distinct literary and religious purposes. Understanding the correct historical context and evidence is crucial for dispelling such myths and appreciating the unique contributions of historical figures in their respective fields.