Butlership in the biblical context refers to the role and duties of a butler, a position of significant responsibility and trust within a household, particularly in the service of royalty or nobility. The concept of butlership is most prominently illustrated in the account of Joseph in the Book of Genesis, where the chief butler, or cupbearer, plays a pivotal role in Joseph's rise to power in Egypt.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 40:1-23: The narrative of Joseph and the chief butler unfolds during Joseph's imprisonment in Egypt. The chief butler, along with the chief baker, is imprisoned for offending Pharaoh. During their time in prison, both have dreams that Joseph interprets. The butler's dream foretells his restoration to his position, while the baker's dream predicts his execution. As Joseph interprets the butler's dream, he requests that the butler remember him and mention him to Pharaoh to secure his release. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this interaction: "Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand, just as you did when you were his cupbearer" (Genesis 40:13). However, the butler forgets Joseph after his restoration, delaying Joseph's release.

2. Genesis 41:9-13: Two years later, when Pharaoh has troubling dreams, the chief butler recalls Joseph's accurate interpretations and informs Pharaoh. This leads to Joseph's release and subsequent rise to power. The butler's recollection is crucial in God's providential plan for Joseph and the preservation of Israel during the impending famine.

Role and Significance:

The role of a butler in ancient times, particularly in the context of the Egyptian court, was one of high trust and intimacy with the ruler. The butler, often referred to as a cupbearer, was responsible for serving drinks at the royal table and ensuring the safety of the king's beverages, protecting against poisoning. This position required loyalty, discretion, and reliability, as the butler had direct access to the king and could influence royal decisions.

In the biblical narrative, the butler's role is not only functional but also symbolic. The butler's restoration and subsequent remembrance of Joseph highlight themes of divine providence, redemption, and the fulfillment of God's promises. The butler's actions, though seemingly minor, are instrumental in the unfolding of God's plan for Joseph and the nation of Israel.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the account of the butler and Joseph underscores the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events for His purposes. The butler's forgetfulness and later remembrance serve as reminders of human fallibility and the ultimate reliance on God's timing and intervention. The narrative also illustrates the importance of faithfulness and integrity in one's duties, as exemplified by Joseph's consistent character, which eventually leads to his elevation and the salvation of many.

In summary, butlership in the Bible is more than a mere occupation; it is a role that, through divine orchestration, becomes a catalyst for significant events in salvation history. The chief butler's interactions with Joseph demonstrate the intricate ways in which God works through individuals and circumstances to achieve His divine will.(n.) The office of a butler.4945. mashqeh -- butler, cupbearer
... butler, cupbearer. Transliteration: mashqeh Phonetic Spelling: (mash-keh') Short
Definition: butler. butlership, cupbearer, drinking, fat pasture, watered ...
/hebrew/4945.htm - 5k

Instructions to Catechumens.
... for them that love him." [494] Now Joseph indeed said to that chief butler, "yet
three days and Pharaoh will restore thee to thy chief butlership." But I do ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/instructions to catechumens.htm

Chapter xl
... the chief of the butlers and the head of the chief of the bakers amongst his courtiers;
namely, he restored the chief of the butlers to his butlership, so that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xl.htm

Joseph and his Brethren
... And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup
into Pharaoh's hand: but he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

Butlership (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The office of a butler. Multi-Version
Concordance Butlership (1 Occurrence). Genesis 40:21 And he ...
/b/butlership.htm - 6k

Butlers (13 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Genesis 40:21 And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again;
and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand: (Root in KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT RSV). ...
/b/butlers.htm - 10k

Butt (2 Occurrences)

/b/butt.htm - 7k

Butler (9 Occurrences)
... Genesis 40:21 And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and
he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand: (KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT RSV). ...
/b/butler.htm - 11k

Putteth (182 Occurrences)
... Genesis 40:21 and he putteth back the chief of the butlers to his butlership,
and he giveth the cup into the hand of Pharaoh; (YLT). ...
/p/putteth.htm - 38k

Giveth (378 Occurrences)
... Genesis 40:21 and he putteth back the chief of the butlers to his butlership,
and he giveth the cup into the hand of Pharaoh; (YLT). ...
/g/giveth.htm - 35k

Butlership: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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