Shakespeare’s Bible Code

Famously known as a playwright such as Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest writer in English. With 38 plays and many other writings, Shakespeare has a lot to offer. Just as famous as Shakespeare is the King James Bible. As stated in my article, History of the English Bible, the King James Bible was translated and written by 54 scholars possibly including Shakespeare. Famous bible translation and famous play writer isn’t the only amazing mark for this combination. The King James Bible was finished in 1611 and the same year Shakespeare turned 46 years old.

Knowing this, we can then turn our attention to King James Bible’s Psalm 46. If you count 46 words from the beginning, you will find the word shake. Now count the same 46 words from the end of Psalm 46, there is the word spear. From Bible Gateway, I have gotten the following verses:

Psalms 46:1-3 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”

Psalms 46:9-11 “He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”

Although many believe this wasn’t Shakespeare’s way of letting us know he was there is does raise the question about the idea of a secret bible code. Using different methods of finding the “predictions,” some say events like Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination as well as AIDs has been seen. Some even state its God’s fingerprint.

Yet, considering the following makes the bible code extremely unlikely. Staring at a book that long would make anyone see things. Also most only claim the prediction after the event probably by computers working on every scenario to find the event. Last, if you consider the numerous times the bible has been translated which meant words being spelled differently, arranged differently, or even substituted words would make any code disappear. So in the end the coincidence of Shakespeare in Psalm 46 is interesting, but a bible code is unlikely.

For more interesting information about the bible:

• The History of the English Bible – An article that explains the time, events, and people that made the bible available in English.
• Within the Bible – A bible study blog addressing not just Christian perspectives, but many different perspectives.