Dictionaries :: Butler

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Butler:

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" (1Ki 10:5; 2Ch 9:4). Nehemiah (Neh 1:11) was cup-bearer to king Artaxerxes. It was a position of great responsibility and honour in royal households.

International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia

Butler:

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).

Written by Edward Bagby Pollard

Nave's Topical Bible

Butler: Pharaoh's

Imprisoned and released,

Gen 40; 1Ki 10:5; 2Ch 9:4; Neh 1:11; 2:1.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Butler:

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).