Judith 11:21 - “There is not such a woman from one end of the earth to the other, for beauty of face and wisdom of words.”

Generated Verse: Judith 11:21

What does "Judith 11:21" mean?


This verse from Judith 11:21 is a hyperbolic compliment paid to Judith by Holofernes, the Assyrian general who is besieging her city. Let's break down what it means:

"There is not such a woman from one end of the earth to the other..." This is a huge exaggeration. Holofernes is saying that Judith is unique and incomparable. He's asserting that nowhere else in the world could one find a woman like her.
"...for beauty of face..." This is straightforward. Holofernes finds Judith incredibly physically attractive.
"...and wisdom of words." This is where it gets more interesting. He's not just saying she's pretty; he's acknowledging her intelligence and eloquence. He's impressed by her ability to speak persuasively and cleverly.

In context:

Holofernes is being manipulated by Judith. She's come to his camp under the pretense of offering him information that will help him conquer her city. He is completely taken in by her beauty and her seemingly wise advice. The verse reveals that his attraction is more than just physical. He is also captivated by what he perceives as her intelligence and understanding.

Therefore, the verse essentially means:

"Judith, you are the most beautiful and intelligent woman I have ever encountered. In all the world, there is no one who matches your combined physical beauty and verbal wisdom."

Important Notes:

Holofernes' Perspective: This statement is solely from Holofernes' perspective. It reflects his biased view influenced by Judith's deception.
Irony: The verse is deeply ironic. Judith is not truly working for Holofernes. She is using her beauty and wit to ultimately defeat him and save her people. His praise of her "wisdom of words" highlights the effectiveness of her deceit.
Exaggeration: The hyperbolic nature of the statement emphasizes Holofernes' infatuation and his vulnerability to Judith's plan.

In conclusion, the verse highlights Judith's captivating presence and the power of her deception, while simultaneously underscoring Holofernes' susceptibility to her charm and cunning.

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