Judith facts for kids

Judith is a female given name. It comes from the Hebrew word Yəhûḏîṯ, meaning either "praised one" or "a woman from Judea". The name's popularity goes back to the story told below.

History

In the first half of the 1st millennium BC, an Assyrian king, Nebuchadnezzar, wanted to conquer Israel. An Israeli woman, called Judith, goes with her loyal maid to the camp of the enemy general, Holofernes, with whom she slowly ingratiates herself, promising him information on the Israelites. Gaining his trust, she is allowed access to his tent. One night as Holofernes is asleep, Judith decapitates him, then takes his head back to her fearful countrymen. The Assyrians, having lost their leader, disperse, and Israel is saved. Though she is courted by many, Judith remains unmarried for the rest of her life.

Images for kids

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  Judith with the Head of Holophernes, by Simon Vouet, (Alte Pinakothek, Munich)

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  Judith Returns to Bethulia, 1860 woodcut by Julius Schnorr von Karolsfeld

See also

In Spanish: Libro de Judit para niños