People & groups
Cupbearer
A trusted court official who presented drink to a king or ruler.
Also called · Royal cupbearer
What it means
Serving the ruler’s cup required close access and trust because poisoning was a danger in royal courts. The role could carry status beyond table service.
Genesis tells of Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer, and Nehemiah’s position gave him access to the Persian king when seeking help for Jerusalem.
How it appears in the Bible
The office illustrates how a household duty could become a position of confidence and influence at court.