Holofernes’ companions and all his servants came out and led her into the tent: Companions is literally “those who sleep beside.” They are surely “bodyguards,” as Good News Translation and Contemporary English Version have it. But not only the bodyguards, the general’s “personal servants” come out also. Once again Judith is getting quite an escort! Came out and led her into the tent may be rendered “came out of his tent and led Judith inside” (Contemporary English Version).

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.