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Laban

Laban in the Bible — brother of Rebekah (GEN 24:29). Referenced in 4 scripture passages.

Name meaning: white; shining; gentle; brittle

Profile

Gender
male
Scripture References
4 references
Known Names
1 name
Relationships
3 connections

Biography

The brother of Rebekah and father of Leah and Rachel, Laban was a shrewd Aramean who lived in Haran. When Jacob fled from Esau, he worked for Laban for twenty years, during which Laban repeatedly deceived him, changing his wages ten times. Despite the conflicts, Laban's daughters became the mothers of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Significance

Laban represents God's sovereignty in using even difficult circumstances to fulfill His covenant promises, as through Laban's daughters came the twelve tribes of Israel.

Key Events

Met Abraham's servant(Genesis 24:29-31)
Jacob arrived to work for him(Genesis 29:13)
Deceived Jacob with Leah instead of Rachel(Genesis 29:23-25)
Made covenant with Jacob at Mizpah(Genesis 31:44-55)

Names & Labels (1)

Labanproper name
Hebrew
לָבָ֑ן
Transliteration
lavan
Meaning
white
Greek
Λαβαν
Reference
GEN 24:29
Strong's
H3837a

Family & Relationships (3)

brother

Rebekah(GEN 24:29)

father

Rachel(GEN 29:6)
Leah(GEN 29:16)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Laban in the Bible?

Laban is described in the Bible as brother of Rebekah (GEN 24:29).

What does the name Laban mean?

The name Laban means “white; shining; gentle; brittle” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.

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