In biblical times, the role of a wine-servant, also known as a cupbearer, was a position of significant responsibility and trust. This individual was tasked with serving wine to the king or other high-ranking officials, ensuring that the drink was safe and free from poison. The wine-servant's duties extended beyond mere service; they often held a position of influence due to their close proximity to the ruler.

Biblical References:

1. Nehemiah: One of the most notable wine-servants in the Bible is Nehemiah, who served as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia. Nehemiah 1:11-2:1 states, "I was cupbearer to the king. In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king." Nehemiah's role as a wine-servant placed him in a strategic position to request permission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, highlighting the trust and influence he wielded.

2. Joseph in Egypt: Another reference to a wine-servant is found in the account of Joseph. In Genesis 40, Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker while they are imprisoned. Genesis 40:9-13 recounts the cupbearer's dream and Joseph's interpretation, which foretold the cupbearer's restoration to his position. This narrative underscores the importance of the wine-servant in the royal court.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The position of a wine-servant was not merely a menial task but a prestigious role within the royal household. The cupbearer was often a confidant to the king, entrusted with the safety of the king's drink, which was a matter of life and death. This trust extended to political and personal matters, as the cupbearer could influence the king's decisions and policies.

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the role of the wine-servant was well-documented. The position required a person of integrity and loyalty, as the king's life depended on the cupbearer's vigilance against potential threats. The wine-servant's proximity to the king allowed them to become privy to confidential information and participate in courtly affairs.

Symbolism and Theological Significance:

The role of the wine-servant carries symbolic weight in biblical theology. It represents themes of service, trust, and divine providence. Nehemiah's position as a cupbearer illustrates how God places His servants in strategic roles to fulfill His purposes. The wine-servant's duty to protect the king from harm can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual vigilance and the safeguarding of one's faith.

Furthermore, the wine-servant's role in the narrative of Joseph highlights God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His plan through seemingly ordinary roles. Joseph's interaction with the cupbearer ultimately leads to his rise to power in Egypt, demonstrating how God uses individuals in various capacities to achieve His divine will.

In summary, the wine-servant in the Bible is a figure of trust and influence, serving as a vital link between the ruler and the safety of the kingdom. This role, while practical in nature, also carries deep spiritual and theological implications, reflecting God's providential care and the importance of faithful service.Wine-servant (8 Occurrences)

Genesis 40:2
And Pharaoh was angry with his two servants, with the chief wine-servant and the chief bread-maker;
(BBE)

Genesis 40:5
And these two had a dream on the same night; the chief wine-servant and the chief bread-maker of the king of Egypt, who were in prison, the two of them had dreams with a special sense.
(BBE)

Genesis 40:9
Then the chief wine-servant gave Joseph an account of his dream, and said, In my dream I saw a vine before me;
(BBE)

Genesis 40:13
After three days Pharaoh will give you honour, and put you back into your place, and you will give him his cup as you did before, when you were his wine-servant.
(BBE)

Genesis 40:21
And he put the chief wine-servant back in his old place; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand.
(BBE)

Genesis 40:23
But the wine-servant did not keep Joseph in mind or give a thought to him.
(BBE)

Genesis 41:9
Then the chief wine-servant said to Pharaoh, The memory of my sin comes back to me now;
(BBE)

Nehemiah 1:11
O Lord, let your ear take note of the prayer of your servant, and of the prayers of your servants, who take delight in worshipping your name: give help, O Lord, to your servant this day, and let him have mercy in the eyes of this man. (Now I was the king's wine-servant.)
(BBE)

Wine-servant (8 Occurrences)
Wine-servant. Wines, Wine-servant. Wine-servants . Multi-Version
Concordance Wine-servant (8 Occurrences). Genesis 40 ...
/w/wine-servant.htm - 8k

Bread-maker (8 Occurrences)
... BBE). Genesis 40:2 And Pharaoh was angry with his two servants, with the
chief wine-servant and the chief bread-maker; (BBE). Genesis ...
/b/bread-maker.htm - 8k

Wine-servants (2 Occurrences)
Wine-servants. Wine-servant, Wine-servants. Wineskin . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Wine-servant, Wine-servants. Wineskin . Reference Bible.
/w/wine-servants.htm - 7k

Wines (3 Occurrences)

/w/wines.htm - 7k

Dreams (34 Occurrences)
... Genesis 40:5 And these two had a dream on the same night; the chief wine-servant
and the chief bread-maker of the king of Egypt, who were in prison, the two of ...
/d/dreams.htm - 17k

Special (89 Occurrences)
... Genesis 40:5 And these two had a dream on the same night; the chief wine-servant
and the chief bread-maker of the king of Egypt, who were in prison, the two of ...
/s/special.htm - 34k

Worshipping (49 Occurrences)
... let him have mercy in the eyes of this man. (Now I was the king's
wine-servant.) (BBE). Nehemiah 9:3 And for a fourth part of the ...
/w/worshipping.htm - 22k

Memory (181 Occurrences)
... day? (BBE). Genesis 41:9 Then the chief wine-servant said to Pharaoh, The
memory of my sin comes back to me now; (BBE). Genesis 41 ...
/m/memory.htm - 40k

Sense (195 Occurrences)
... Genesis 40:5 And these two had a dream on the same night; the chief wine-servant
and the chief bread-maker of the king of Egypt, who were in prison, the two of ...
/s/sense.htm - 36k

Placed (297 Occurrences)
... RSV). Genesis 40:21 And he put the chief wine-servant back in his old place;
and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand. (See RSV). Genesis ...
/p/placed.htm - 34k

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