What is a cupbearer?

Answer

Historically, a cupbearer was a high-ranking official responsible for serving the king. The primary duty of a cupbearer was to serve wine at the royal table. Because kings feared poisoning attempts, cupbearers had to carefully guard the cup and would sometimes taste the drink before serving to ensure its safety. Given the position’s responsibilities, a cupbearer needed to be trustworthy and loyal. A cupbearer earned the king’s trust and, due to their character, could wield influence in the royal court.

The first cupbearer mentioned in the Bible appears in Genesis 40. Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker had offended the king and were imprisoned. They shared a cell with Joseph, who was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39). While in prison, both the cupbearer and the baker had dreams. Joseph noticed their distress and inquired about it. They explained that their despondency stemmed from their dreams and the lack of someone to interpret them. Joseph attributed dream interpretations to God and elucidated the dreams’ meanings. The cupbearer’s dream foretold his restoration to his position in three days—precisely what occurred. Joseph requested the cupbearer to remember him and intercede with Pharaoh on his behalf, recognizing the cupbearer’s potential influence.

Although the cupbearer initially forgot Joseph, he recalled him two years later when Pharaoh had troubling dreams (Genesis 41). Following the cupbearer’s suggestion, Pharaoh summoned Joseph, who, acknowledging God as the dream interpreter, elucidated the king’s dream. The dream prophesied seven years of plenty in Egypt followed by seven years of famine. Joseph advised Pharaoh to appoint a wise man to oversee Egypt’s preparations for the impending scarcity.Cognizing the Spirit of God in Joseph, the king appointed him as the one in charge. Despite the cupbearer’s initial failure to use his influence when Joseph first asked for it, God remained faithful to Joseph. Over time, Joseph rose to the position of second-in-command in Egypt and saved many lives through his actions.

References to cupbearers can also be found in 1 Kings 10:4–5 and 2 Chronicles 9:4, illustrating how impressed the Queen of Sheba was with King Solomon’s wisdom and the grandeur of his court. The accounts mention the cupbearers in relation to Solomon’s palace, cuisine, officials, attending servants, and the burnt offerings he presented at the temple. Witnessing Solomon’s wisdom, his success, and his devotion to the Lord left the queen awestruck. Cupbearers held a significant role in the royal court.

Nehemiah served as a cupbearer to the Persian King Artaxerxes. In Nehemiah 1:11, he prays, «O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.», (Nehemiah 1:11). Nehemiah remained loyal to the king and carried out his duties with a positive attitude. One day, while serving wine with a sad expression, the king noticed and inquired about Nehemiah’s sorrow, «Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, », (Nehemiah 2:2). Nehemiah seized the moment to request permission to travel to Jerusalem and oversee the reconstruction of the dilapidated walls. Nehemiah 2:8 recounts, “And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests.” Nehemiah excelled as a cupbearer due to his unwavering trust and reverence for God in all his endeavors, working diligently.

22:29 says, “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings.” Such was the case with Nehemiah.

Nehemiah’s work as a cupbearer is a good reminder to us today that God cares how we work. Colossians 3:23 tells us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” The way we work is a reflection of our relationship with God. Nehemiah’s service is a reminder to work diligently, faithfully, and with a positive attitude regardless of our role. When we work diligently and demonstrate trustworthiness, God is honored, and others take notice.