Who was Laban?

Deceitful relative of Jacob

The story of Laban

Laban - Laban held the position of "uncle".
Laban - Laban held the position of "uncle".
Laban held the position of "uncle".

Laban was a biblical figure who is best known for his role in the story of Jacob and Rachel. He was the brother of Rebekah, the mother of Jacob and Esau. Laban was a cunning and shrewd man who was determined to get the best of Jacob in their dealings. Laban was born to Bethuel and Milcah, and had a sister named Rebekah. He was a wealthy man who owned many flocks of sheep and goats. He was also a skilled craftsman, and was known for his ability to make idols. Laban is most famous for his role in the story of Jacob and Rachel. Jacob had come to Laban's home in search of a wife, and Laban agreed to give him Rachel in exchange for seven years of labor. However, Laban tricked Jacob by giving him his older daughter Leah instead. Jacob was forced to work another seven years in order to marry Rachel. Laban is also known for his role in the story of Jacob's return to his homeland. Laban pursued Jacob, but God intervened and warned Laban not to harm Jacob. Laban agreed to a covenant with Jacob, and the two parted ways peacefully. Laban is remembered as a cunning and shrewd man who was determined to get the best of Jacob in their dealings. He is best known for his role in the story of Jacob and Rachel, and for his part in Jacob's return to his homeland.

Name meaning

White

Name origin

Hebrew

Role

Laban held the position of "uncle".

First mention

Genesis 24:29

Appearances in the Bible

47 mentions

In Hebrew

לבן

Laban in the Bible

Explore all 10 chapters where Laban appears

Genesis

Chapter 24

Abraham's Servant Seeks a Wife for Isaac

Abraham's servant is sent to find a wife for Isaac, and he finds Rebekah.

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Genesis

Chapter 25

The Birth of Esau and Jacob

Abraham has more children with Keturah and then dies at the age of 175.

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Genesis

Chapter 27

Jacob Gets Esau's Birthright

Isaac plans to bless his older son Esau, but Rebekah and Jacob conspire to deceive Isaac so that Jacob receives the bles...

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Genesis

Chapter 28

Jacob's Ladder and Covenant with God

Jacob runs away to his mother's family and has a dream of a ladder reaching to heaven. God confirms his promise to Jacob...

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Genesis

Chapter 29

Jacob Meets Rachel

Jacob works for seven years to marry Leah, but is deceived by her father Laban and marries Rachel as well. He works for ...

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Genesis

Chapter 30

The Birth of Jacob's Children

Jacob becomes very wealthy with large flocks and many children.

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Genesis

Chapter 31

Jacob's Flight from Laban

Jacob runs away from Laban with his family and possessions. Laban pursues him but they make a covenant and part as frien...

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Genesis

Chapter 32

Jacob's Wrestle with God

Jacob prepares to meet his brother Esau and he wrestles with God.

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Genesis

Chapter 46

Jacob and His Family Move to Egypt

Jacob and his family move to Egypt and settle in the land of Goshen.

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Deuteronomy

Chapter 1

Israel's Journey from Horeb

Moses reminds the Israelites of their journey from Egypt to the edge of the Promised Land and of the disobedience that h...

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Showing all 10 chapter appearances