She sent her maid, who was in charge of all she possessed: This woman, though never named, will appear several times in the rest of the book as Judith’s companion. An unusual Greek word is translated maid; the word is actually an adjective (used here as a noun) meaning “pretty, graceful, delicate.” Enslin interprets this to mean “favorite slavegirl.” That the woman is a “slave” (Good News Translation) is not said at this point, but 16.23 makes it clear that she was, and it is not wrong to bring that information forward to this point. From the narrative we may gather that the woman was a slave, a trusted companion, and a business manager for Judith. Good News Translation shifts focus in describing her as one who “managed her business affairs.” The Greek literally reads “in charge of all her possessions” (compare Gen 24.2; 39.4).

To summon Chabris and Charmis, the elders of her city: Good News Translation is right in adding Uzziah to this verse, and proper in saying in the footnote that some manuscripts omit him. Uzziah is clearly present since he is named in 8.28 and 8.35. On the identity of the three men as elders, see the note on 7.23. For elders of her city, see 6.16.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Judith. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.