The role of a cupbearer in biblical times was one of great trust and responsibility. Figures like Nehemiah remind us of how God can use ordinary roles for extraordinary purposes. Today, we’ll learn what the Bible says about cupbearers and their significance.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Cultural Renewal
What Does The Bible Say About Cupbearer
Nehemiah 1:11
O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.
This verse showcases Nehemiah’s plea to God as a cupbearer. It highlights his humble position and his dependence on God’s favor and mercy in carrying out his duties.
Nehemiah recognizes that success in his role as a cupbearer ultimately comes from the Lord, and he seeks God’s intervention in his interactions with others, particularly with the king he serves.
Genesis 40:1
Some time after this, the cupbearer of the king of Egypt and his baker committed an offense against their lord the king of Egypt.
In this verse, the cupbearer’s role is mentioned in the context of a story in Egypt. It signifies the influence and trust placed in the cupbearer, as part of the royal court.
The cupbearer’s actions and integrity were crucial in maintaining the king’s trust, as they were responsible for tasting the food and drink before it was served to the king to ensure it was not poisoned.
Genesis 40:21
He restored the chief cupbearer to his position, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.
In this verse, the cupbearer’s role takes a significant turn as he is restored to his position after being imprisoned. His restoration emphasizes the importance of his trustworthiness and his critical role in the king’s court.
The cupbearer’s return to his role signifies the reestablishment of trust and highlights the honor and responsibility associated with his position.
Genesis 41:9
Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “I remember my offenses today.”
Here, the chief cupbearer acknowledges his past failures and shortcomings. His role as a cupbearer includes being honest and accountable, even to the king.
The cupbearer’s humility in admitting his offenses demonstrates the character required in carrying out his duties. This acknowledgment also sets the stage for subsequent events in the story.
Genesis 41:13
Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.
In this verse, the chief cupbearer’s forgetfulness plays a crucial role in Joseph’s story. Joseph, who was wrongly imprisoned, had interpreted the chief cupbearer’s dream and asked to be remembered by him upon his release.
The cupbearer’s forgetfulness prolongs Joseph’s time in prison, ultimately leading to God’s greater plan for his life.
Nehemiah 2:1
In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, I took up the wine and gave it to the king.
Here, Nehemiah, as a cupbearer, is shown fulfilling his role of serving the king. This simple act of serving the king reflects Nehemiah’s obedience and loyalty as a trusted servant.
The cupbearer’s role extends beyond being a mere server of wine, as their close proximity to the king grants them influence and the opportunity to intercede on behalf of others.
Nehemiah 2:2
And the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid.
In this verse, Nehemiah’s disposition as a cupbearer is noticed by the king. The king’s observation reveals the cupbearer’s close relationship with the king and his responsibility to maintain an appropriate demeanor in the presence of the monarch.
Nehemiah’s fear highlights the risks associated with showing emotions that may be perceived as a threat or disrespect in his position.
Nehemiah 2:3
I said to the king, “Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”
In this verse, Nehemiah’s role as a cupbearer gives him an opportunity to address the king about his concern for Jerusalem. His connection to the king allows him to bring his burden and request for help directly to him.
As a cupbearer, Nehemiah understands that his role extends beyond serving wine and includes being an advocate for the well-being of his people.
Proverbs 31:4-5
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
In these verses, the advice given to King Lemuel emphasizes the potential dangers of indulging in alcohol for rulers and leaders, including the role of the cupbearer in safeguarding the king’s judgment and decision-making processes.
The cupbearer’s responsibility includes ensuring that the king’s mind is clear, free from substance influence, and able to uphold justice and defend the rights of the vulnerable.
Isaiah 40:3
A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”
Although not explicitly mentioning a cupbearer, this verse implies the role of a cupbearer metaphorically, as one who prepares and smooths the way for a greater authority, in this case, God.
The cupbearer’s responsibility extends beyond simply serving wine; they are called to prepare and clear obstacles to facilitate the presence and work of God in people’s lives.
Matthew 26:39
And going a little farther, he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
In this verse, Jesus, referred to metaphorically as the “cup,” acknowledges the challenging path He must encounter, expressing His sincere desire for a different outcome if it aligns with God’s will.
Jesus’ submission to God’s will reflects the essence of a cupbearer’s role in surrendering their own desires and intentions for the greater purpose and plans of God.
1 Corinthians 10:21
You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.
In this verse, the metaphorical cup is linked to spiritual allegiance. It serves as a reminder that as believers, we cannot align ourselves with opposing forces or ideologies.
The cupbearer’s role is exemplified as they choose to partake only in the cup and table of the Lord, demonstrating their commitment to serving God faithfully and exclusively.
Revelation 14:10
They also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.
In this verse, the concept of the cup is portrayed as a representation of justice and judgment. Those who oppose God and His ways will ultimately experience His wrath.
The cupbearer’s role encompasses not only serving but also being aware of the significance and consequences that may accompany the figurative “cup” they hold.
Deuteronomy 21:17
But he shall acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the unloved, by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the firstfruits of his strength. The right of the firstborn is his.
In this verse, the cupbearer is associated with the concept of the firstborn’s inheritance rights. The cupbearer often held a position of privilege and favor in the king’s court.
This inheritance serves as a reminder that the cupbearer, as a favored servant, has a unique role and responsibilities compared to other servants in the kingdom.
Isaiah 22:15
Thus says the Lord God of hosts, “Come, go to this steward, to Shebna, who is over the household, and say to him.”
Although not specifically mentioned, this verse directs attention to Shebna, who likely held a position similar to that of a cupbearer as the steward over the king’s household.
As a steward, Shebna’s duties would have included managing the king’s affairs and overseeing various servants, including the cupbearer.
Genesis 44:2
Put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, with his money for the grain.” And he did as Joseph told him.
In this verse, a silver cup is mentioned in Joseph’s story, reflecting the cupbearer’s role in a narrative context.
The cupbearer’s involvement in concealing the cup further highlights the trust placed in their hands and the potential consequences that arise when that trust is violated.
Psalm 23:5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
This verse speaks of God as the ultimate provider and protector and portrays a symbolic cup that represents God’s abundant blessings and provision.
The cupbearer’s role involves not only serving but also being a witness as God’s overflowing and generous blessings are poured out for His people.
Ruth 2:14
And at mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come here and eat some bread and dip your morsel in the wine.” So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed to her roasted grain. And she ate until she was satisfied, and she had some left over.
In this verse, Boaz offers Ruth bread and wine, which associates the cupbearer’s role with hospitality and care towards others.
The cupbearer, both literally and metaphorically, is tasked with ensuring the satisfaction and well-being of those they serve, providing nourishment and comfort.
Lamentations 4:21
Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, you who dwell in the land of Uz; but to you also the cup shall pass; you shall become drunk and strip yourself bare.
Here, the passing of the cup represents a shift in fortune or destiny. In this case, the cup represents the consequences that Edom will face for their actions.
The cupbearer’s role includes being aware of the consequences and the “passing” nature of the cup, continuously recognizing the potential outcomes of their own actions and those they serve.
Luke 22:20
And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”
In this verse, Jesus uses the symbolism of a cup to represent the new covenant established through His sacrifice on the cross.
The cupbearer’s role is exemplified as they participate in the symbolic act of communion, recognizing the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and the redemption it offers.
Matthew 20:23
He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”
In this verse, Jesus refers to sharing in His cup as a representation of experiencing the hardships and trials that come with following Him.
The cupbearer’s role extends to embracing the challenges and sacrifices that may accompany their service and commitment to God’s kingdom.
Mark 14:36
And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
In this verse, Jesus, in His humanity, expresses His desire to avoid the suffering and anguish represented by the cup but ultimately submits to the will of the Father.
The cupbearer’s role encompasses a similar surrender, recognizing that personal desires and preferences may need to be set aside to fulfill the greater purpose and plan of God.
1 Timothy 5:23
No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
In this verse, Paul advises Timothy, acknowledging the practical use of a cupbearer’s role in offering wine for medicinal purposes.
The cupbearer’s responsibilities include attending to the physical needs and well-being of those they serve, including the consideration of health-related matters.
Isaiah 51:22
Thus says your Lord, the Lord, your God who pleads the cause of his people: “Behold, I have taken from your hand the cup of staggering; the bowl of my wrath you shall drink no more.”
Here, God reassures His people that they will no longer experience His wrath or the consequences associated with the cup of judgment.
The cupbearer’s role includes interceding on behalf of others and advocating for mercy and forgiveness, reflecting the character of God as the ultimate advocate for His people.