Judith

About this text

The story of a brave Jewish woman who infiltrates an enemy camp and kills the general Holofernes to save her people. A dramatic narrative of courage and faith.

Significance

Celebrated as an example of courageous faith. Major subject in Western art (Caravaggio, Artemisia Gentileschi).

Key excerpts

"The Lord Almighty has foiled them by the hand of a woman."

"For your power depends not upon numbers, nor your might upon the strong. But you are the God of the lowly, helper of the oppressed."

Scripture cross-references

• Judges 4:21 — Jael killing Sisera — Judith follows the same pattern of a woman saving Israel
• 1 Corinthians 1:27 — God chose the weak to shame the strong

Continue exploring

This text is one of 10 in the Apocrypha / Deuterocanonical Books category, and one of 62 across the entire library.