The Persians trembled at her boldness, the Medes were daunted at her daring: The references to the Persians and the Medes are certainly surprising. The mysterious Arphaxad, who was defeated by Nebuchadnezzar, is described as king of the Medes in 1.1. In 1.7 Nebuchadnezzar calls on the Persians for military help against Arphaxad. Maybe the author of Judith is making a deliberate reference to them here at the end of the story to match the beginning of the story. At any rate, while it is a puzzle for one trying to date the book or analyzing its composition, it need not slow down the translator.

In some languages, these parallel lines repeating similar information may be combined; for example: “Her bravery shocked the Persians and amazed the Medes” or “She was so brave that the Persians trembled with fear and the Medes were amazed.”

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.