Then they consoled Achior, and praised him greatly: It is not clear who gives reassurance and praise to Achior. The Greek simply indicates they, which apparently makes it “the people” of verse 18, in turn going back to “the assembly” of verse 16. However, those who “reassured” Achior probably are a smaller group since reassurance is an intimate activity. They may be rendered “those who were present” to hint that the reassurance is not an action by a large crowd. On the other hand, it might be that the mass prayer of verse 19 is what gives the reassurance. The Greek says “And,” not Then; it does not require the reassurance to be a subsequent and separate action. If so, one might be bold enough to say “This reassured Achior, and the people praised him highly.”

Consoled is a poor choice of words; “reassured” is much better. The praise offered is praise in the sense of commendation. He is being reassured that he was right to tell Holofernes what he did. That is what he is praised for. The Greek does use an adverb greatly or “highly,” though Good News Translation has not represented it.

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.