It would be better for us to be captured by them: The textual variant that adds “than to die of thirst,” noted in Revised Standard Version, is a minor variant. Traduction œcuménique de la Bible translates it in the text, but notes that it is not found in the most authoritative manuscripts. There is no reason for a footnote if it is omitted. But translators may add the clause without a footnote, if the translation requires it, to specify what captured is better than. Dying of thirst is clearly the alternative the people have in mind. A possible translation model is “It would be better for us if the Assyrians capture us, rather than dying of thirst.” Be captured by them is rendered “prisoners of war” by Good News Translation. This has a modern sound to it and suggests a civilized procedure of some kind. The Greek literally says “It would be better for us to become prey/booty,” which suggests something less humane. This scene reminds one of the Israelites’ complaints against Moses: Exo 14.12; 16.3; 17.3; Num 14.2-3; 20.3-5.

For we will be slaves is translated “They will make us slaves” in Good News Translation.

But our lives will be spared may be rendered “but at least they will let us live [or, not kill us].”

We shall not witness the death of … before our eyes …: Good News Translation restructures in a helpful way: “we won’t have to watch our wives and children dying before our eyes.” Contemporary English Version interprets before our eyes to mean a slow and protracted death from thirst: “At least then we wouldn’t have to watch our children and wives die slow and painful deaths.”

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.