Judith 10:20-11:4

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Judith Is Brought before Holofernes

²⁰ Then the guards of Holofernes and all his attendants came out and led her into the tent.^{(A) 21} Holofernes was resting on his bed under a canopy that was woven with purple, gold, emeralds, and other precious stones.^{(B) 22} When they told him of her, he came to the front of the tent, with silver lamps carried before him. ²³ When Judith came into the presence of Holofernes^[a] and his attendants, they all marveled at the beauty of her face. She prostrated herself and did obeisance to him, but his slaves raised her up.^(C)

11 Then Holofernes said to her, “Take courage, woman, and do not be afraid in your heart, for I have never hurt anyone who chose to serve Nebuchadnezzar, king of all the earth.^{(D) 2} Even now, if your people who live in the hill country had not slighted me, I would never have lifted my spear against them. They have brought this on themselves.^{(E) 3} But now tell me why you have fled from them and have come over to us. In any event, you have come to safety. Take courage! You will live tonight and ever after.^{(F) 4} No one will hurt you. Rather, all will treat you well, as they do the servants of my lord King Nebuchadnezzar.”