When Judith came into the presence of Holofernes may be rendered “As Judith came forward to meet Holofernes” (Contemporary English Version).

They all marveled at the beauty of her face: Compare verses 14 and 19.

She prostrated herself and made obeisance to him: Virtually the same language is used in 1 Sam 25.23 when Abigail comes before David, and in Ruth 2.10 when Ruth meets Boaz. Very much the same language is also used in Jdt 6.18, where the people of Bethulia fall down in worship before God. For prostrated herself, see “fell upon her face” in 9.1. Made obeisance means that when “she bowed down to the ground” (prostrated herself) she was showing respect for Holofernes.

And his slaves raised her up: The conjunction “but” (Good News Translation) is much more appropriate than and to connect Judith’s bowing to the ground with the servants raising her up. These are not simply two actions in sequence. Judith does the correct thing by showing obeisance to Holofernes, but she is honored by being allowed to stand in his presence. His own servants “helped her to her feet” (Good News Translation). Revised Standard Version has slaves in this final clause, but uses servants earlier in the verse. These refer to the same people and should be translated “servants” in both instances, as in Good News Translation. This is a highly appropriate place for a paragraph break and chapter break. Judith has done a great deal in this chapter. Now it is Holofernes’ turn to respond.

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.