Topical Encyclopedia
Holofernes is a prominent figure in the deuterocanonical Book of Judith, which is included in the Septuagint and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christian Old Testament canons, but not in the Hebrew Bible or Protestant Old Testament. He is depicted as a general in the army of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of the Assyrians, and plays a central role in the narrative of Judith, a Jewish heroine.
Historical ContextThe Book of Judith is set during a time when Nebuchadnezzar, historically known as the king of Babylon, is portrayed as the king of Assyria. This anachronism suggests that the book is not intended as a historical account but rather as a theological and moral narrative. Holofernes is tasked by Nebuchadnezzar to lead a campaign against the western nations that refused to support his war efforts. His mission is to subdue these nations and enforce the king's dominance.
Character and RoleHolofernes is characterized as a powerful and ruthless military leader. He is described as having a formidable presence and is feared by those he encounters. His campaign is marked by a series of conquests, as he successfully subdues various cities and regions, instilling fear and submission among the people.
In the Book of Judith, Holofernes' role is pivotal as he lays siege to the city of Bethulia, a strategic location that stands in the way of his campaign against Jerusalem. The siege causes great distress among the inhabitants, leading to a crisis of faith and morale.
Encounter with JudithJudith, a devout and courageous widow, emerges as the heroine of the account. She devises a plan to save her people by infiltrating the enemy camp. Her beauty and wisdom captivate Holofernes, who invites her to a banquet in his tent. Judith uses this opportunity to execute her plan. After Holofernes becomes intoxicated, she decapitates him with his own sword, delivering his head to the people of Bethulia. This act of bravery leads to the disarray and defeat of the Assyrian army.
Theological SignificanceThe account of Holofernes and Judith is rich in theological themes. It highlights the power of faith and divine intervention, as Judith's victory is attributed to her reliance on God. The narrative underscores the idea that God can deliver His people through unexpected means and individuals, regardless of their social status or gender.
The account also serves as a moral lesson on the dangers of pride and hubris. Holofernes' downfall is precipitated by his arrogance and underestimation of Judith, a seemingly powerless woman. His demise illustrates the biblical principle that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (
James 4:6).
Cultural and Literary ImpactThe account of Holofernes and Judith has had a significant impact on art and literature throughout history. It has been depicted in numerous paintings, sculptures, and literary works, often symbolizing the triumph of virtue over vice and the power of faith.
In summary, Holofernes is a key figure in the Book of Judith, representing the oppressive forces against which the people of God must stand firm. His encounter with Judith serves as a powerful narrative of deliverance and divine justice, resonating with themes of faith, courage, and the ultimate victory of God's people.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Holofernesor more correctly OLOFERNES, was, according to the book of Judith, a general of Nebuchadnezzar king of the Assyrians., Judith 2:4, who was slain by the Jewish heroine Judith during the siege of Bethulia. (B.C. 350.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
HOLOFERNEShol-o-fur'-nez (Olophernes): According to the Book of Judith, chief captain of Nebuchadnezzar, king of the Assyrians (Judith 2:4), who was commissioned to make war upon the West country and to receive from the inhabitants the usual tokens of complete submission, earth and water. The object of the expedition of Holofernes, who thus became the typical persecutor of the Jews, was to compel men everywhere to worship Nebuchadnezzar. He was slain by Judith, the heroine of the book of that name, during the siege of Bethulia. There is no notice of Holofernes except in the Book of Judith. The termination of the word would seem to indicate a Persian origin for the name. The Holofernes of Shakespeare and Rabelais is in no way connected with the deeds of the Holofernes of the Apocrypha.
J. Hutchison
Library
The Jews, Then, Having Returned, as we have Narrated Above...
... He did the same to other nations, having sent before himHolofernes whom he had
appointed master of his host, with a hundred and twenty thousand foot-soldiers...
By the Example of Judith is Shown that Courage is not Wanting in...
... By the example of Judith is shown that courage is not wanting in widows; her
preparation for her visit toHolofernes is dwelt upon, as also her chastity and...
When this Became Known to Judith a Widow Woman of Great Wealth...
... She was immediately conducted toHolofernes, and tells him that the affairs of her
countrymen were desperate, so that she had taken precautions for her life by...
Here Beginneth the Story of Judith
... And thereupon he ordainedHolofernes prince of his knighthood, and bade him go forth,
and in especial against them that had despised his empire; and bade him...
Our Friends Take it Amiss that I have Spoken of the Origenists as...
... a stimulant or a medicine, and strictly to preserve its measure, and not go beyond
the bounds observed by Judith in her dealings withHolofernes, whom she...
Whether Every Lie is a Sin?
... 27-29). Again, Judith is commended (Judith 15:10,11) although she lied
toHolofernes. Therefore not every lie is a sin. Objection...
Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament.
... WhenHolofernes, one of Nebuchadnezzar's generals, was besieging Bethulia, a city
of Judea, she went over to his camp with her maid in the character of a...
Examples of Such Love.
... and, exposing herself to danger, she went out for the love which she bare to her
country and people then besieged; and the Lord deliveredHolofernes into the...
Examples of Such Love.
... and, exposing herself to danger, she went out for the love which she bare to her
country and people then besieged; and the Lord deliveredHolofernes into the...
Women as Well as Men Capable of Perfection.
... and straightway she obtained the reward of her faith,"though a woman, prevailing
over the enemy of her faith, and gaining possession of the head ofHolofernes...
Thesaurus
Holofernes... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
HOLOFERNES. hol-o-fur
... of Bethulia. There
is no notice of
Holofernes except in the Book of Judith. The
...Judith (1 Occurrence)
... of Judith in Apocrypha-a pious, wealthy, courageous, and patriotic widow who delivered
Jerusalem and her countrymen from the assault ofHolofernes, the general...
Achior
... a'-ki-or (Achior): General of the Ammonites, who spoke in behalf of Israel before
Holofernes, the Assyrian general (Judith 5:5).Holofernes ordered him bound...
Konae
... which we have in the King James Version "the villages." The name occurs in the account
of the measures taken to secure the country againstHolofernes (Judith 4...
Ocina
... os'-i-na, ok'-i-na (Okeina): A town on the Phoenician coast South of Tyre, mentioned
only in Judith 2:28, in the account of the campaign ofHolofernes in Syria...
Jemnaan
... jem'-na-an (Iemnaan): A city on the coast of Palestine; mentioned among those affected
by the expedition ofHolofernes (Judith 2:28; 3:1;). The name is used...
Joakim
... in the days of Judith who, along with "the ancients of the children of Israel,"
welcomed the heroine back to the city after the death ofHolofernes (Judith 4...
Geba (22 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 11:31). (2) (Gaibai): Between a fortress so named and Scythopolis
(Beisan),Holofernes pitched his camp (Judith 3:10). On the...
Rasses
... Old Latin Thiras et Rasis): The children of Rasses are mentioned with Put, Lud and
the children of Ishmael as having been subdued byHolofernes (Judith 2:23)....
Drunkenness (10 Occurrences)
... Samuel 11:13), Amnon (2 Samuel 13:28), Elah, king of Israel (1 Kings 16:9), Benhadad,
king of Syria, and his confederates (1 Kings 20:16),Holofernes (Judith 13...
Resources
What is the book of Judith? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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