Laban
Gentile Aramean ('Laban the Syrian') of Padan-aram · Creation & Patriarchs · Old Testament
- Name means
- White
- Role
- Brother of Rebekah; father-in-law of Jacob
- When
- c. 1900 BC (traditional)
What they did
Welcomed Abraham's servant, later received Jacob and gave him Leah and Rachel. He changed Jacob's wages many times, but God warned him in a dream not to harm Jacob.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
He confessed that the LORD had blessed him for Jacob's sake, an early fulfilment of the promise that the nations would be blessed through Abraham's family.
And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake. Genesis 30:27 (KJV)
Bible references
And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well. Genesis 24:29 (KJV)
And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me? Genesis 29:25 (KJV)
And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake. Genesis 30:27 (KJV)
And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. Genesis 31:24 (KJV)
Family
- Father
- Bethuel
- Children
- Leah, Rachel, and sons
- Brothers / sisters
- Rebekah
Called 'Laban the Syrian' (Genesis 25:20; 31:20).