Bible Dictionaries

(lay' buhn) Personal name meaning, “white” or “moon god.” Rebekah's brother and father of Leah and Rachel (Genesis 29:16 ). Laban lived in the city of Nahor which was probably close to the metropolis of Haran. Laban is known primarily from Genesis 24:1 ; Genesis 29-31 .

Laban was directly responsible for the betrothal of Rebekah to Isaac. After Abraham's steward related that he had come to find a wife for Isaac, Laban and his father give their permission for the marriage (Genesis 24:1 : 50-51 ). Later, Jacob fled to his uncle Laban's house after stealing the blessing from Esau. Laban agreed to give his daughter, Rachel, as payment for Jacob's seven years of labor. However, Laban deceived Jacob making him marry the older daughter, Leah. After Jacob worked an additional seven years, Laban allowed him to marry Rachel (Genesis 29:15-30 ). See Jacob .