As I live, and by the power of my kingdom: As I live is an oath put in the mouth of God in Jer 22.24; 46.18, and often in Ezekiel (see Ezek 5.11; 14.20). Once again Nebuchadnezzar is putting himself in the place of God. The ancient readers would know that this could only lead to his downfall, especially if they remembered Deut 32.39, in which God makes an amplified oath on himself and swears destruction on any rival. Many think that the author intends a contrast with this Deuteronomy passage. Good News Translation explains the vow as “at the risk of my life and my royal power,” but this sacrifices Nebuchadnezzar’s unspoken claim to omnipotence. Compare the note on “swore by his throne and kingdom” at 1.12. In this present context the following models are possible: “As surely as I live and rule this powerful kingdom…” or “I live and rule over this great kingdom. So I have….”

What I have spoken my hand will execute: What I have spoken means “as I have solemnly promised.” Nebuchadnezzar is referring to his promise to punish all those who refused to help him, so Contemporary English Version translates “I will keep my solemn promise to punish those nations.” The phrase my hand is a frequent Hebrew figure of speech for “my power,” which Good News Translation captures in a verb: “I am determined.”

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.