Judith 16:22, "Many desired her, and no man knew her all the days of her life, from the day that Manasses her husband died and was gathered to his people," speaks to several key aspects of Judith's character and legacy after her heroic act of slaying Holofernes. Here's a breakdown:
"Many desired her": This highlights Judith's attractiveness and desirability. She was a widow, and the verse suggests that she had suitors who sought to marry her. This emphasizes that she was not only courageous and pious, but also a woman whom many men found appealing.
"And no man knew her all the days of her life": This is the most important part of the verse. It means that Judith remained a widow and did not remarry or have sexual relations with any man after the death of her husband Manasses. This underscores her commitment to her late husband and, more importantly, to God. It reinforces her chastity and dedication to her faith.
"From the day that Manasses her husband died and was gathered to his people": This clearly establishes the timeline for her celibacy. It emphasizes that her decision to remain unmarried and celibate was a deliberate choice she made after the death of her husband.
In summary, the verse means:
After the death of her husband, Judith was highly sought after as a potential wife. However, she chose to remain celibate and unmarried for the rest of her life, dedicating herself to God and honoring her late husband. This adds to her image as a virtuous, strong, and pious woman, who placed her faith above worldly desires. It also emphasizes her self-sufficiency and independence. She was not defined by marriage and instead dedicated her life to serving God and her people.
The verse emphasizes that Judith's heroism was not just a one-time act but a reflection of her overall character: pious, dedicated, and self-sacrificing. It elevates her status from a mere heroine to a symbol of virtue and faithfulness.
Judith 16:22, "Many desired her, and no man knew her all the days of her life, from the day that Manasses her husband died and was gathered to his people," speaks to several key aspects of Judith's character and legacy after her heroic act of slaying Holofernes. Here's a breakdown:
"Many desired her": This highlights Judith's attractiveness and desirability. She was a widow, and the verse suggests that she had suitors who sought to marry her. This emphasizes that she was not only courageous and pious, but also a woman whom many men found appealing.
"And no man knew her all the days of her life": This is the most important part of the verse. It means that Judith remained a widow and did not remarry or have sexual relations with any man after the death of her husband Manasses. This underscores her commitment to her late husband and, more importantly, to God. It reinforces her chastity and dedication to her faith.
"From the day that Manasses her husband died and was gathered to his people": This clearly establishes the timeline for her celibacy. It emphasizes that her decision to remain unmarried and celibate was a deliberate choice she made after the death of her husband.
In summary, the verse means:
After the death of her husband, Judith was highly sought after as a potential wife. However, she chose to remain celibate and unmarried for the rest of her life, dedicating herself to God and honoring her late husband. This adds to her image as a virtuous, strong, and pious woman, who placed her faith above worldly desires. It also emphasizes her self-sufficiency and independence. She was not defined by marriage and instead dedicated her life to serving God and her people.
The verse emphasizes that Judith's heroism was not just a one-time act but a reflection of her overall character: pious, dedicated, and self-sacrificing. It elevates her status from a mere heroine to a symbol of virtue and faithfulness.