Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "butler" refers to a high-ranking servant responsible for managing the wine and beverages of a household, particularly in royal or noble settings. The role of the butler is most prominently featured in the account of Joseph in the Book of Genesis.Biblical References: 1. Genesis 40:1-23: The most notable mention of a butler in the Bible is found in the account of Joseph's imprisonment in Egypt. The "chief cupbearer," often translated as "butler," was imprisoned alongside Joseph. The butler and the chief baker had offended Pharaoh, leading to their incarceration. During their time in prison, both the butler and the baker had dreams that Joseph interpreted. The butler's dream involved a vine with three branches that budded, blossomed, and produced grapes. Joseph interpreted this dream to mean that within three days, the butler would be restored to his position. As Joseph predicted, the butler was reinstated, while the baker was executed. The butler, however, initially forgot to mention Joseph to Pharaoh, as Joseph had requested. Genesis 40:21 : "He restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand." 2. Genesis 41:9-13: Later, when Pharaoh had troubling dreams, the butler remembered Joseph and his ability to interpret dreams. He recounted his experience to Pharaoh, leading to Joseph's release and subsequent rise to power in Egypt. Genesis 41:9 : "Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, 'Today I recall my failures.'" Role and Significance: The butler's role was crucial in ancient royal courts, as he was entrusted with the safety and quality of the king's beverages. This position required a high level of trust, as the butler had direct access to the king and could potentially influence or harm him through the drinks served. The butler's proximity to the king also allowed him to be a person of influence and a confidant. In the narrative of Joseph, the butler serves as a pivotal character whose actions indirectly lead to Joseph's rise to power. His forgetfulness initially prolongs Joseph's imprisonment, but his eventual recollection of Joseph's gift of dream interpretation becomes the catalyst for Joseph's deliverance and elevation to a position of authority in Egypt. Symbolic Interpretation: From a theological perspective, the account of the butler and Joseph can be seen as a demonstration of God's providence and timing. Despite human forgetfulness and failure, God's plans are ultimately fulfilled. The butler's eventual remembrance of Joseph highlights the theme of divine intervention and the unfolding of God's purposes in the lives of His people. The butler's account also serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude and the responsibility to remember those who have helped us in times of need. His initial forgetfulness contrasts with Joseph's faithfulness and integrity, underscoring the moral and spiritual lessons embedded in the narrative. Smith's Bible Dictionary ButlerOne 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) Easton's Bible Dictionary Properly a servant in charge of the wine (Genesis 40:1-13; 41:9). The Hebrew word, mashkeh, thus translated is rendered also (plural) "cup-bearers" (1 Kings 10:5; 2 Chronicles 9:4). Nehemiah (1:11) was cup-bearer to king Artaxerxes. It was a position of great responsibility and honour in royal households. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) An officer in a king's or a nobleman's household, whose principal business it is to take charge of the liquors, plate, etc.; the head servant in a large house.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BUTLERbut'-ler: An officer in households of kings, or other dignitaries, having charge of wines and other potables. mashqeh, "one who gives drink" (Genesis 40:1-23; Genesis 41:9), rendered "cupbearer" in 1 Kings 10:5 2 Chronicles 9:4; Nehemiah 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 (1 Kings 10:5); over these cupbearers or butlers was the sar ha-mash-qim, or chief butler (Genesis 40:9). Strong's Hebrew 4945. mashqeh -- butler, cupbearer... 4944, 4945. mashqeh. 4945a . butler, cupbearer. Transliteration: mashqeh Phonetic Spelling: (mash-keh') Short Definition: butler. ... /hebrew/4945.htm - 5k 4945a. mashqeh -- butler, cupbearer 7262. Rabshaqeh -- perhaps "chief of the officers," an Assyr. ... 4453. meltsar -- perhaps guardian Library Introduction. Imagination in Prayer Human Nature Joseph, a Servant, a Prisoner, and a Saint. Joseph's Eagerness to Help Others Human Nature Upon Human Nature. Upon Human Nature. The Natural Supremacy of Reflection Upon the Government of the Tongue. Thesaurus Butler (9 Occurrences)...BUTLER. but'-ler: An officer in households of kings, or other dignitaries, having charge of wines and other potables. ...Butler (9 Occurrences). ... /b/butler.htm - 11k Butlers (13 Occurrences) Butlership (1 Occurrence) Cupbearer (10 Occurrences) Sardis (3 Occurrences) Conscience (36 Occurrences) Joseph (248 Occurrences) Offended (26 Occurrences) Governor (78 Occurrences) Forgat (9 Occurrences) Resources What was the Scopes Monkey Trial? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about covetousness? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that “no weapon formed against you shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17)? | GotQuestions.org Butler: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Butler (9 Occurrences)Genesis 40:1 Genesis 40:2 Genesis 40:5 Genesis 40:9 Genesis 40:13 Genesis 40:21 Genesis 40:23 Genesis 41:9 Nehemiah 1:11 Subtopics Butler: Pharaoh's, Imprisoned and Released Related Terms |
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