Daniel 13:1-9

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

Susanna’s Beauty Attracts Two Elders

13 ^[a]There was a man living in Babylon whose name was Jo′akim. ² And he took a wife named Susanna, the daughter of Hilki′ah, a very beautiful woman and one who feared the Lord. ³ Her parents were righteous, and had taught their daughter according to the law of Moses. ⁴ Jo′akim was very rich, and had a spacious garden adjoining his house; and the Jews used to come to him because he was the most honored of them all.

⁵ In that year two elders from the people were appointed as judges. Concerning them the Lord had said: “Iniquity came forth from Babylon, from elders who were judges, who were supposed to govern the people.” ⁶ These men were frequently at Jo′akim’s house, and all who had suits at law came to them.

⁷ When the people departed at noon, Susanna would go into her husband’s garden to walk. ⁸ The two elders used to see her every day, going in and walking about, and they began to desire her. ⁹ And they perverted their minds and turned away their eyes from looking to Heaven or remembering righteous judgments.