Holofernes
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Holofernes in the Bible?
Holofernes was a fictional Assyrian general who led a military campaign to enforce tribute and worship of the king, and was assassinated by the Jewish widow Judith during the siege of Bethulia.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Holofernes as a literary antagonist clarifies the Book of Judith's thematic focus on divine providence and the triumph of faith over imperial power.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Holofernes reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Holofernes in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Holofernes clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Holofernes." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/holofernes/