Butler
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Butler in the Bible?
A high-ranking court official responsible for managing the monarch's beverages and ensuring their safety from poisoning.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this role clarifies the high level of trust and proximity to power held by figures like Joseph and Nehemiah, illustrating the political and personal risks associated with serving in royal courts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Butler. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Butler in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Butler clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Butler." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/butler/