# cupbearer # ## Definition: ## In Old Testament times, a "cupbearer" was a king's servant who was given the task of bringing the king his cup of wine, usually tasting the wine first to make sure it had not been poisoned. * The literal meaning of this term is "cup bringer" or "someone who brings the cup." * A cupbearer was known for being very trustworthy and loyal to his king. * Because of his trusted position, a cupbearer would often have influence in the decisions the ruler made. * Nehemiah was the cupbearer for King Artaxerxes of Persia during the time when some of the Israelites were in captivity in Babylon. (See also: [artaxerxes](../other/artaxerxes.md) **·** [babylon](../other/babylon.md) **·** [captive](../other/captive.md) **·** [persia](../other/persia.md) **·** [pharaoh](../other/pharaoh.md)) ## Bible References: ## * [1 Kings 10:3-5](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/1ki/10/03) * [Nehemiah 01:10-11](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/neh/01/10)