Judith facts for kids

Judith is a girl's name. It comes from the Hebrew word Yəhûḏîṯ. This word means "praised one" or "a woman from Judea". The name became popular because of an old story, which you can read about below.

The Story of Judith

Long ago, in the first half of the 1st millennium BC, an Assyrian king named Nebuchadnezzar wanted to take over Israel. An amazing Israeli woman, also named Judith, decided to act.

Judith went with her loyal maid to the camp of the enemy general, Holofernes. She slowly gained his trust. Judith promised him information about the Israelites. Because she was so clever, Holofernes allowed her to enter his tent.

One night, while Holofernes was asleep, Judith bravely cut off his head. She then took his head back to her people, who were very scared. The Assyrians lost their leader and scattered. This saved Israel from being conquered. Even though many men wanted to marry her, Judith remained 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