Old Testament

New Testament

Judith 12:9-20 World English Bible (WEB)

9. And she came in clean, and remained in the tent, until she took her meat toward evening.

10. And it came to pass on the fourth day, Holofernes made a feast to his own servants only, and called none of the officers to the banquet.

11. And he said to Bagoas the eunuch, who had charge over all that he had, Go now, and persuade this Hebrew woman which is with you, that she come to us, and eat and drink with us.

12. For, behold, it is a shame for our person, if we shall let such a woman go, not having had her company; for if we draw her not to us, she shall laugh us to scorn.

13. And Bagoas went from the presence of Holofernes, and came in to her, and said, Let not this fair damsel fear to come to my lord, and to be honored in his presence, and to drink wine and be merry with us, and to be made this day as one of the daughters of the children of Asshur, which wait in the house of Nebuchadnezzar.

14. And Judith said to him, And who am I, that I should gainsay my lord? for whatever shall be pleasing in his eyes I will do speedily, and this shall be my joy to the day of my death.

15. And she arose, and decked herself with her apparel and all her woman’s attire; and her servant went and laid fleeces on the ground for her over against Holofernes, which she had received of Bagoas for her daily use, that she might sit and eat upon them.

16. And Judith came in and sat down, and Holofernes’ heart was ravished with her, and his soul was moved, and he desired exceedingly her company: and he was watching for a time to deceive her, from the day that he had seen her.

17. And Holofernes said to her, Drink now, and be merry with us.

18. And Judith said, I will drink now, my lord, because my life is magnified in me this day more than all the days since I was born.

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

20. And Holofernes took great delight in her, and drank exceeding much wine, more than he had drunk at any time in one day since he was born.

Read complete chapter Judith 12