In brief
Laban is the brother of Rebekah, the wife of Isaac, and the uncle of Jacob. He welcomes Abraham's servant, and later his nephew Jacob. He gives him Leah instead of Rachel, changes his wages several times and finally pursues him. God warns Laban in a dream not to harm Jacob, and the two men make a covenant. His story shows a cunning man facing a faithful God.
What does the name Laban mean?
His name is generally linked to the Hebrew word meaning "white". The Bible gives no explanation for the choice of this name. Laban lives in Haran, in Mesopotamia, in the family of Abraham.
The story of Laban
The brother of Rebekah
Genesis 24:29-33When Abraham's servant arrives near the spring, Rebekah runs to tell what she has experienced. Her brother Laban runs to meet the man, sees the jewelry given to his sister and invites him into his home. He provides straw and feed for the camels and water to wash the men's feet.
Jacob arrives at Laban's home
Genesis 29:13-20Jacob arrives in Haran, meets Rachel at the well and introduces himself to her father. Laban embraces him and welcomes him as a member of the family. Jacob promises to serve him seven years for Rachel, whom he loves. The seven years seem to him like a few days, so great is his love for her.
Leah in place of Rachel
Genesis 29:21-30On the evening of the wedding, Laban gives Leah to Jacob instead of Rachel. In the morning, Jacob realizes it. Laban appeals to the custom of the country, which forbids marrying off the younger before the firstborn. He promises Rachel in exchange for seven more years of service, and Jacob agrees.
Jacob's wages
Genesis 30:25-43After the birth of Joseph, Jacob asks to leave. Laban suggests that he name his own wages. Jacob chooses the speckled and spotted animals, but Laban immediately removes them. God nevertheless blesses Jacob, whose flocks become numerous, while Laban loses nothing, even though he changed the wages.
The pursuit and the covenant
Genesis 31:17-55Jacob leaves in secret with his family and his flocks. Laban pursues him and catches up with him in the hill country of Gilead. The night before, God warned him in a dream not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad. The two men make a covenant and set up a heap of stones.
What Laban teaches us
- God sees the injustices we suffer, and he protects and blesses those he calls, even when they are taken advantage of.
- Deceit often comes back on those who practice it: Jacob, deceived by Laban, had himself deceived his father.
- Our faithfulness at work does not depend on the honesty of our employer, for God is our true guarantor.
- God intervenes even in dreams to protect his own, even against a hostile family.
- Covenants made before God invite each side to keep the other in respect, without doing harm.
Key verses
In the morning, Jacob discovers that Laban has given him Leah. Laban answers by appealing to the custom of the country. This passage shows the cunning of an uncle who exploits his nephew under cover of tradition.
God comes to Laban in a dream to warn him not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad. This shows his protection over Jacob, even when Jacob leaves his uncle without warning.
Laban and Jacob make a covenant and name the place Mizpah, saying that the Lord watches between the two of them. This verse expresses the trust they place in God to keep their mutual commitment.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Laban in the Bible?
Laban is the brother of Rebekah, the wife of Isaac, and therefore the uncle of Jacob. He also becomes his father-in-law by giving him Leah and Rachel. He changes his wages several times, then pursues him when Jacob leaves with his family.
What does the name Laban mean?
His name is generally linked to the Hebrew word meaning "white". The Bible gives no explanation for the choice of this name. We know Laban mostly through his actions, which show a skillful and self-interested man.
Where can I find the story of Laban in the Bible?
His story is found in the book of Genesis. It begins in chapter 24 with Rebekah, then unfolds in chapters 29 to 31 with Jacob: marriage to Leah and Rachel, wages in flocks, pursuit and covenant.