1. Holofernes said to her, "Take courage, woman, and don’t let your heart be afraid. I’ve never harmed anyone who chose to serve Nebuchadnezzar king of all the earth.
2. Even now, if your people who live in the highlands hadn’t insulted me, I wouldn’t have raised my spear against them. But they have brought this on themselves.
3. Now tell me why you escaped from them and came to us. You’re safe now, so take courage. You will live tonight and from now on.
4. No one will harm you. They will treat you well, just like all the slaves of my master King Nebuchadnezzar."
5. Judith answered him, “Listen to the words of your slave and let your servant woman speak in your presence. I won’t lie to you this night, my master.
6. If you follow the instructions of your female servant, God will accomplish something great through you, and my master’s plans won’t fail.
7. As Nebuchadnezzar king of the whole earth lives, and as his power that sent you to direct every living being endures—not only do humans serve him because of you, but even the animals of the field, the cattle, and the birds in the sky live under Nebuchadnezzar and all his house because of your power.
8. We’ve heard about your wisdom and your cunning spirit, and it was reported throughout all the land that, out of the entire kingdom, you alone are dignified, capable in intellect, and wonderful in military campaigns.
9. We heard what Achior told your council and his advice. The men of Bethulia spared him, and he told us everything he said to you.