When Achior saw all that the God of Israel had done: This expresses the Greek literally, but saw is figurative language. It refers to what Achior “heard,” “came to understand,” or “realized.”

He believed firmly in God: Good News Translation‘s “he became a firm believer” rightly places emphasis on the beginning of Achior’s belief. It refers to his conversion. In Good News Translation in God is not necessary, since it is clearly implied that Achior’s belief is in “the God of Israel” just mentioned.

Was circumcised: In many cultures a literal translation of “circumcision” (surgically removing the loose skin covering the head of the penis) would shock audiences. In such cases it will be necessary to soften the translation by using roundabout language (euphemisms). Some cultures will already have a technical word for circumcision that acts as a euphemism; for example, “cutting ceremony,” so they may translate this sentence “They performed the cutting ceremony on Achior.” It will always be helpful, though, to include a footnote explaining this ceremony.

Joined the house of Israel: Good News Translation has “was … made a member of the Israelite community,” and Contemporary English Version “became an Israelite.”

Remaining so to this day: If one would understand this literally, the author would be saying that Achior was still living at the time of the writing of the book. This is hardly likely. Good News Translation‘s “as his descendants are to the present day” is surely the meaning.

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.