Judith – Chapter 12

Old Testament • 20 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 12 of Judith begins: "Then he ordered that she should go in where his treasures were laid up, and bade her tarry there, and he appointed what should be given her…" The chapter centers on Holofernes and Judith. Across its 20 verses, two threads run through the text: God feeding His people and prayer. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1Then he ordered that she should go in where his treasures were laid up, and bade her tarry there, and he appointed what should be given her from his own table.

2And Judith answered him and said: Now I cannot eat of these things which thou commandest to be given me, lest sin come upon me: but I will eat of the things which I have brought.

3And Holofernes said to her: If these things which thou hast brought with thee fail thee, what shall we do for thee?

4And Judith said: As thy soul liveth, my lord, thy handmaid shall not spend all these things till God do by my hand that which I have purposed. And his servants brought her into the tent which he had commanded.

5And when she was going in, she desired that she might have liberty to go out at night and before day to prayer, and to beseech the Lord.

6And he commanded his chamberlains, that she might go out and in, to adore her God as she pleased, for three days.

7And she went out in the nights into the valley of Bethulia, and washed herself in a fountain of water.

8And as she came up, she prayed to the Lord the God of Israel, that he would direct her way to the deliverance of his people.

9And going in, she remained pure in the tent, until she took her own meat in the evening.

10And it came to pass on the fourth day, that Holofernes made a supper for his servants, and said to Vagao his eunuch: Go, and persuade that Hebrew woman, to consent of her own accord to dwell with me.

11For it is looked upon as shameful among the Assyrians, if a woman mock a man, by doing so as to pass free from him.

12Then Vagao went in to Judith, and said: Let not my good maid be afraid to go in to my lord, that she may be honoured before his face, that she may eat with him and drink wine and be merry.

13And Judith answered him: Who am I, that I should gainsay my lord?

14All that shall be good and best before his eyes, I will do. And whatsoever shall please him, that shall be best to me all the days of my life.

15And she arose and dressed herself out with her garments, and going in she stood before his face.

16And the heart of Holofernes was smitten, for he was burning with the desire of her.

17And Holofernes said to her: Drink now, and sit down and be merry; for thou hast found favour before me.

18And Judith said: I will drink my lord, because my life is magnified this day above all my days.

19And she took and ate and drank before him what her maid had prepared for her.

20And Holofernes was made merry on her occasion, and drank exceeding much wine, so much as he had never drunk in his life.

Important Verses in Judith 12

“Then he ordered that she should go in where his treasures were laid up, and bade her tarry there, and he appointed what should be given her from his own table.”

Judith 12:1

“And Judith said: As thy soul liveth, my lord, thy handmaid shall not spend all these things till God do by my hand that which I have purposed. And his servants brought her into the tent which he had commanded.”

Judith 12:4

“And as she came up, she prayed to the Lord the God of Israel, that he would direct her way to the deliverance of his people.”

Judith 12:8

“And Judith said: I will drink my lord, because my life is magnified this day above all my days.”

Judith 12:18

Historical Context

Judith addresses israel under foreign oppression, called to courage and prayer within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 12 of 16 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 20 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Holofernes and Judith, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The passage starts with these words: "Then he ordered that she should go in where his treasures were laid up, and bade her tarry there, and he appointed what…" The final verse reads: "And Holofernes was made merry on her occasion, and drank exceeding much wine, so much as he had never drunk in his…" In terms of historical background, Judith is a deuterocanonical account of a courageous widow who saves Israel by beheading the invading general Holofernes. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Judith around Probably 2nd century BC, during or after the Maccabean crisis.

Who Wrote It

Unknown Jewish author

When It Was Written

Probably 2nd century BC, during or after the Maccabean crisis

Catholic Commentary

In this 20-verse narrative, the sacred author records events that advance the story of courage, faith, and God's deliverance. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Then he ordered that she should go in where his treasures were laid up, and bade her tarry there, and he appointed what should be given her from his own table." The passage repeatedly touches on God feeding His people.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1988). Here, Judith prefigures Mary, who crushes the serpent's head (CIC 489). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize God feeding His people as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • ✓From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.
  • ✓God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.

People in This Chapter

Holofernes5 mentionsJudith5 mentions

Reflection for Today

Judith Chapter 12, containing 20 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 1032). Here the emphasis falls on courage in witness to the Gospel, which shapes how the Church understands courage, faith, and God's deliverance.

As you continue through Judith, carry this chapter's lesson into your family, parish, and work. Catholic faith is always ecclesial—God speaks to us as members of Christ's Body, not as isolated individuals.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Judith Chapter 12 about?

Judith 12 contains 20 verses. It opens with "Then he ordered that she should go in where his treasures were laid up, and bade her tarry there, and he appointed what…" and closes with "And Holofernes was made merry on her occasion, and drank exceeding much wine, so much as he had never drunk in his…". The book as a whole is edifying narrative (deuterocanonical).

What is a key verse in Judith 12?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Then he ordered that she should go in where his treasures were laid up, and bade her tarry there, and he appointed what should be given her from his own table." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Judith Chapter 12?

This chapter mentions Holofernes, Judith.

Who wrote Judith and when?

Unknown Jewish author. Probably 2nd century BC, during or after the Maccabean crisis.

Related Chapters

Deuteronomy 20Shares people and themes with this chapterJudges 7Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Samuel 1Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer Before Communion🙏Spiritual Communion🙏The Our Father🙏Morning Offering

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