When you stand before him: Good News Translation assumes that this clause is unnecessary and clearly implied, which it is, of course. But others may think it adds to the tense atmosphere to picture Judith standing in the presence of the Assyrian general, so one may translate “When you are in his presence/when you stand in his presence/when you see him/when you meet him, there is no need to be afraid.”

Do not be afraid in your heart: In a number of languages heart, “liver,” or another part of the body will be used to express fear; for example, “do not have a heart full of fear” or “don’t let your heart [or, liver] tremble with fear.”

Tell him just what you have said: Good News Translation has “Just tell him what you have told us,” and Contemporary English Version “Tell him exactly what you told us.”

He will treat you well: There is a sly sexual suggestion in these words. One can imagine the speaker turning to his friends and winking as he tells Judith, “He’ll do right by you.” The words look forward to 12.10-14, where Holofernes prepares to seduce her.

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.