Bible Dictionary
Butler
A butler, or cupbearer, was an important royal officer responsible for the king’s wine and other drinks. Nehemiah held this trusted position under King Artaxerxes.
Definition
A butler, or cupbearer, was an officer responsible for wine and other drinks in the household of a king or other dignitary. The chief butler supervised other cupbearers. The position was one of importance, responsibility, and honor.
Biblical Usage
The title appears in the narratives concerning Pharaoh’s household and in references to royal cupbearers. Nehemiah served as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes.
Historical Background
Because of the danger of plots and poisoned drink, the cupbearer held a trusted position in oriental courts. Wealthy courts such as Solomon’s could have several cupbearers under a chief butler.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Properly a servant in charge of the wine (Gen. 40:1-13; 41:9). The Hebrew word, mashkeh, thus translated is rendered also (plural) “cup-bearers” (1 Kings 10:5; 2 Chr. 9:4). Nehemiah (1:11) was cup-bearer to king Artaxerxes. It was a position of great responsibility and honour in royal households.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
One of the officers of the king’s household, (Nehemiah 1:11) who had charge of the wine and poured it out for the king. The chief butler, as the title signifies, was in charge of the butlers. (Genesis 40:1-13)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>but'-ler: An officer in households of kings, or other dignitaries, having charge of wines and other potables. mashqeh, "one who gives drink" (Ge 40:1-23; 41:9), rendered "cupbearer" in 1Ki 10:5; 2Ch 9:4; Ne 1:11. The office was one of consider ble importance in oriental courts, because of the danger to the king's life through plots of poison, etc. Nehemiah held this position to King Artaxerxes. Wealthy courts, as that of Solomon, usually had more than one (1Ki 10:5); over these cupbearers or butlers was the sar ha-mash-qim, or chief butler (Ge 40:9).</p><p>Edward Bagby Pollard</p>