Judith 10:23 - But when Judith had come before him and his servants, they all marveled at the beauty of her countenance. She fell down upon her face, and bowed down to him, but his servants raised her up.

Generated Verse: Judith 10:23

What does "Judith 10:23" mean?


This verse from Judith 10:23 describes Judith's arrival before Holofernes, the Assyrian general, and his retinue. Let's break it down:

"But when Judith had come before him and his servants, they all marveled at the beauty of her countenance." This highlights Judith's striking beauty. Her appearance is so remarkable that it causes astonishment ("marveled") in everyone who sees her. The word "countenance" refers to her face or expression, emphasizing that her beauty isn't just superficial but also reflects her character or inner strength (as the audience of the story might understand). This sets the stage for her ability to manipulate Holofernes.

"She fell down upon her face, and bowed down to him..." This is a gesture of extreme humility and submission. By prostrating herself, Judith is feigning respect and allegiance to Holofernes. This is part of her deceptive strategy to gain his trust.

"...but his servants raised her up." This action is significant. It indicates that Holofernes' servants are impressed by Judith and perhaps see her as someone important or valuable, worth treating with a degree of respect. This could be for a number of reasons:
Her perceived status as a refugee seeking help.
Her beauty and regal bearing leading them to believe she's of noble birth.
Holofernes' own interest in her, which the servants are keen to anticipate.

Overall Meaning:

The verse depicts Judith's arrival in Holofernes' camp and the immediate impact she has on those present. Her beauty is captivating, and her show of submission is convincing, paving the way for her plan to assassinate Holofernes and save her people. The actions of Holofernes' servants in raising her up demonstrate the power of her appearance and demeanor, and the potential for her to gain influence within the enemy camp. This sets the stage for the events that will follow and underscores the importance of appearances and deception in Judith's strategy. It is a key moment of transition when Judith moves into the centre of Holofernes' camp.

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