Laban

Lore & Background

Laban first appears when he runs out to meet Abraham's servant at the well (Genesis 24:29). Along with Bethuel, he acknowledges that Rebekah's marriage to Isaac is from the LORD (Genesis 24:50). Later, Jacob flees to Laban in Haran at Rebekah's instruction (Genesis 27:43) and is sent by Isaac to take a wife from Laban's daughters (Genesis 28:2). When Jacob arrives, Laban welcomes him as 'my bone and my flesh' (Genesis 29:14) and employs him as a shepherd (Genesis 29:15). Laban deceives Jacob by substituting Leah for Rachel on the wedding night (Genesis 29:25), explaining that local custom forbids giving the younger before the firstborn (Genesis 29:26). He gives his maids Zilpah to Leah (Genesis 29:24) and Bilhah to Rachel (Genesis 29:29). After Jacob's sons are born, Jacob asks to leave, but Laban persuades him to stay, acknowledging that the LORD has blessed him for Jacob's sake (Genesis 30:27). They later make a bargain regarding the flocks (Genesis 30:34), but Laban's attitude shifts as Jacob prospers (Genesis 31:2). Laban's sons accuse Jacob of taking their father's wealth (Genesis 31:1), and God tells Jacob He has seen all that Laban does to him (Genesis 31:12).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Laban as a complex figure: initially hospitable and welcoming to Jacob (Genesis 29:13-14), but also shrewd and self-interested. He bargains over wages (Genesis 29:15) and deceives Jacob about Leah (Genesis 29:25-26). Laban acknowledges divine blessing through Jacob (Genesis 30:27) yet later grows hostile as Jacob's flocks increase (Genesis 31:2). His actions drive the narrative of Jacob's exile and return, showing a man who both benefits from and resents Jacob's success. The text does not judge Laban explicitly but presents his deeds and their consequences.

Did You Know?

• Laban ran out to meet Abraham's servant at the well (Genesis 24:29).
• Laban and Bethuel said the marriage of Rebekah proceeded from the LORD (Genesis 24:50).
• Laban gave his maids Zilpah to Leah and Bilhah to Rachel (Genesis 29:24, 29).
• Laban admitted the LORD blessed him because of Jacob (Genesis 30:27).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Laban and his family were described as dwelling in Paddan Aram, in Mesopotamia." — Laban "Sete anos de pastor Jacob serviaLabão, pai de Raquel, serrana bela;Mas não servia o pai, servia a ela,E a ela só por prémio pretendia." — Laban "Seven years Jacob served as a shepherdfor Laban, lovely Rachel's father,laboring not for the father butanxious only for her as his reward." — Laban "Kip McKean, [[1]], Revolution Through Restoration, Summer of 2002." — Laban