BUTLER.See Cupbearer.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909
Butler. One of the officers of the king's household, Neh_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. Gen_40:1-13.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
By Dr. William Smith.Published in 1863
but?lẽr: An officer in households of kings, or other dignitaries, having charge of wines and other potables. משׁקה, mashḳeh, ?one who gives drink? (Gen 40:1-23; Gen_41:9), rendered ?cupbearer? in 1Ki_10:5; 2Ch_9:4; Neh_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-ḳı̄m, or chief butler (Gen_40:9).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRINTER 1915.
Butler
an honorable officer in the household of Pharaoh, king of Egypt (Gen_40:1; Gen_40:13). The original word מִשְׁקֶה, mashkeh', properly signifies cup-bearer, as it is elsewhere translated (1Ki_10:5; 2Ch_9:4). The Sept. renders it ἀρχιοινόχοος, chief wine-pourer, implying him who had the charge of the rest, which, as appears from 2Ch_9:2, is the true meaning. It was his duty to fill and bear the cup or drinking- vessel to the king. Nehemiah was cup-bearer (q.v.) to King Artaxerxes (Neh_1:11; Neh_2:1). SEE BANQUET.
CYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLICAL, THEOLOGICAL AND ECCLESIASTICAL
press 1895.