What are the double entendres in the Book of Judith?
The book is filled with double entendres and ironic situations, e.g., Judith’s conversation with Holofernes in 11:5 – 8, 19, where “my lord” is ambiguous, and her declaration to Holofernes that she will lead him through Judea to Jerusalem (his head goes on such a journey).
Are there any mysteries in the Book of Judith?
Several mysteries remain: Judith herself, Arphaxad, and others are otherwise unknown. The geographical details, such as the narrow defile into Bethulia (an unidentified town which gives access to the heart of the land), are fanciful.
Is the Book of Judith a moral book?
The Book of Judith is relatively often discussed nowadays, mainly because of its interest for feminist studies. However, the subject of its ethical attitudes in this book is rarely mentioned, although this book raises important moral questions, even if indirectly. They concern the problem what is good or evil in war and public life.
How did the Septuagint Book of Judith influence history?
The Septuagint Book of Judith and its derivatives have had an enormous influence on the history of Western Europe and the Christian church. Judith has been employed in various situations to incite violence against a perceived opposition. In this regard, this article focuses on the climax of this book (Jdt 13:1–9) as performance text.
The book is filled with double entendres and ironic situations, e.g., Judith’s conversation with Holofernes in 11:5 – 8, 19, where “my lord” is ambiguous, and her declaration to Holofernes that she will lead him through Judea to Jerusalem (his head goes on such a journey).
Several mysteries remain: Judith herself, Arphaxad, and others are otherwise unknown. The geographical details, such as the narrow defile into Bethulia (an unidentified town which gives access to the heart of the land), are fanciful.
Are there any ancient Greek recensions of Judith?
There are four Greek recensions of Judith (Septuagint codices Vaticanus, Sinaiticus, Alexandrinus, and Basiliano-Vaticanus), four ancient translations (Old Latin, Syriac, Sahidic, and Ethiopic), and some late Hebrew versions, apparently translated from the Vulgate.
Why was Judith not included in the Bible?
Whatever the reasons, the rabbis did not count Judith among their scriptures, and the Reformation adopted that position. The early Church, however, held this book in high honor. The first-century Pope, St. Clement of Rome, proposes Judith as an example of courageous love (1 Corinthians 55).
Which is the oldest text of the Book of Judith?
The oldest extant text of Judith is the preservation of 15:1 – 7 inscribed on a third-century A.D. potsherd. Whatever the reasons, the rabbis did not count Judith among their scriptures, and the Reformation adopted that position.
There are four Greek recensions of Judith (Septuagint codices Vaticanus, Sinaiticus, Alexandrinus, and Basiliano-Vaticanus), four ancient translations (Old Latin, Syriac, Sahidic, and Ethiopic), and some late Hebrew versions, apparently translated from the Vulgate.
