Bagoas is a figure mentioned 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. The narrative of Judith is set during the time of the Assyrian king Nebuchadnezzar, although the historical accuracy and timeline of the events are debated among scholars.

Role in the Book of Judith

In the Book of Judith, Bagoas is depicted as a high-ranking eunuch and the chief personal attendant to Holofernes, the Assyrian general tasked with leading a campaign against the Israelites. Bagoas plays a significant role in the account, acting as an intermediary between Holofernes and those who seek an audience with him, including Judith herself.

Key Events Involving Bagoas

1. Introduction and Duties: Bagoas is introduced as a trusted servant of Holofernes, responsible for managing the general's personal affairs and ensuring the comfort and security of his master. His position indicates a high level of trust and authority within the Assyrian camp.

2. Interaction with Judith: When Judith, a pious and courageous widow from the Israelite town of Bethulia, devises a plan to save her people, she gains access to Holofernes through Bagoas. Judith's beauty and eloquence captivate Holofernes, and Bagoas facilitates her meetings with the general, unaware of her true intentions.

3. The Banquet: In a pivotal scene, Bagoas organizes a lavish banquet for Holofernes, during which Judith is invited to attend. The banquet is marked by excessive drinking, and Holofernes becomes heavily intoxicated. Bagoas, following his master's orders, ensures that Judith is treated with honor and seated in a place of prominence.

4. Aftermath of Holofernes' Death: Following Judith's successful assassination of Holofernes, Bagoas is the first to discover the general's lifeless body. In Judith 14:14 , it is written: "When Bagoas went in and knocked at the door of the tent, thinking that Holofernes was sleeping with Judith, he found the headless body of Holofernes sprawled on the floor." His shock and horror at the discovery lead to chaos in the Assyrian camp, ultimately contributing to the Israelites' victory.

Character Analysis

Bagoas is portrayed as a loyal and efficient servant, dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of Holofernes. His interactions with Judith highlight his role as a gatekeeper to the general, yet his inability to perceive Judith's true intentions underscores the theme of divine intervention and the triumph of faith over might. Bagoas' character serves as a narrative device to advance the plot and illustrate the vulnerability of the seemingly invincible Assyrian forces.

Cultural and Historical Context

The name "Bagoas" is of Persian origin, suggesting a connection to the historical context of the Persian Empire, where eunuchs often held significant positions of power and influence. This detail adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, reflecting the historical practice of employing eunuchs in royal courts and military settings.

While the Book of Judith is not considered canonical by all Christian traditions, its themes of faith, courage, and divine deliverance resonate with the broader biblical narrative. Bagoas, as a character, contributes to the unfolding of God's plan through the unexpected means of a faithful and courageous woman.BAGOAS

ba-go'as Bagoas: The eunuch in charge of the household of Holofernes whom the latter engaged to bring Judith to his palace (Judith 12:11; 13:1, 3; 14:14). Compare JUDITH.

Concerning Zamaris, the Babylonian Jew; Concerning the Plots Laid ...
... as also how they had perverted some persons about the palace itself; so the king
slew such of the Pharisees as were principally accused, and Bagoas the eunuch ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning zamaris the.htm

Here Beginneth the Story of Judith
... day. Then Holofernes made a great feast, and sent a man of his, named Bagoas,
for to entreat Judith to come eat and drink with him. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the story of.htm

The World, the Flesh, and the Devil
... but to the fact that the Eastern Empire, in its abject subjection, now to an eunuch,
and now to a woman, seemed to recall the old days of a Bagoas or a ...
/.../chapter xxxvii the world the.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9. <. ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The visit and Homage of the Magi, and the Flight into Egypt
... xv. 8. 4. But the suggestion that Bagoas had suffered at the hands of Herod
for Messianic predictions is entirely an invention of Keim. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter viii the visit and.htm

The Iranian Conquest
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Bagoas
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BAGOAS. ba-go'as Bagoas: The eunuch in charge
of the household of Holofernes whom the latter engaged ...
/b/bagoas.htm - 6k

Ezranehemiah
... lived about 450 BC The same papyrus mentions Jehohanan (Johnnan of Nehemiah 12:22)
as the high priest of the temple at Jerusalem, and Bagohi (Bagoas) was the ...
/e/ezranehemiah.htm - 22k

Ezra-nehemiah
... lived about 450 BC The same papyrus mentions Jehohanan (Johnnan of Nehemiah 12:22)
as the high priest of the temple at Jerusalem, and Bagohi (Bagoas) was the ...
/e/ezra-nehemiah.htm - 22k

Cambyses
... The third papyrus is so interesting, because of its mention of Bagoas, the Persian
governor of Jerusalem in 407 BC, who had hitherto been known only from ...
/c/cambyses.htm - 12k

Persians (6 Occurrences)
... The latter was murdered with all his sons but the youngest, Arses, by an Egyptian
eunuch Bagoas, probably in revenge for Artaxerxes' conduct in Egypt (338 BC). ...
/p/persians.htm - 20k

Bagoi

/b/bagoi.htm - 6k

Bago

/b/bago.htm - 6k

Judith (1 Occurrence)
... In 350 BC, Artaxerxes Ochus (361-338 BC) invaded Phoenicia and Egypt, his chief
generals being Holofernes (Judith 2:4, etc.) and Bagoas (Judith 12:11), both of ...
/j/judith.htm - 27k

Dispersion (4 Occurrences)
... One of these papyri contains a petition from the Jewish colony in Elephantine addressed
to Bagohi (called Bagoas by Josephus, Ant, XI, vii, 7), the Persian ...
/d/dispersion.htm - 44k

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