Translators should be aware that verse numbers vary in this chapter through verse 8. In the Greek text 16.1 is 15.14, and some translations follow this (New Revised Standard Version, Contemporary English Version). This Handbook follows the verse numbering of Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation.

With the beginning of a new chapter, it will be helpful to relate this verse to the previous chapter; for example, “After the Israelite women had finished praising Judith, she sang a song….”

Judith began this thanksgiving before all Israel: Judith began probably means that Judith led off in the song; when Good News Translation says that “the people joined in…” this idea is covered. This thanksgiving refers to what follows. The phrase is unnatural in English, and Good News Translation translates it “a song of thanksgiving.”

All the people loudly sang this song of praise: The verb used for singing indicates loud, hearty singing. Good News Translation could be altered to cover this: “the people joined in, singing loudly this song of praise to God.”

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.