A canopy which was woven with purple and gold and emeralds and precious stones: The canopy under which Holofernes is resting was a “mosquito net.” At least that was its function. In this case the rich adornments made it more than a utilitarian object, but something of intrinsic value. When Judith makes her escape, she will take the time to strip this object from the bed as booty (see 13.9, 15; 16.19). Perhaps the author is using this rich canopy to symbolize the sexual opportunity of Holofernes’ bed. Holofernes will offer sex to Judith in chapter 12, but Judith shows complete scorn in chapter 13 by killing Holofernes and running away with the canopy. Purple and gold refers to the purple thread and gold that was used to weave the mosquito net. Emeralds and precious stones may be rendered “decorated with emeralds and other precious stones” (Good News Translation). In cultures where emeralds are unknown, it will be better to simply say “decorated with precious [or, expensive] stones.”

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.