Bible Figure
Laban
son of Bethuel, brother of Rebekah described in the Book of Genesis
Laban was Rebekah's brother and Jacob's Aramean father-in-law whose repeated dealings with Jacob were marked by both family ties and deception.
Biography
Laban first appears when Abraham's servant comes seeking a wife for Isaac and Rebekah agrees to leave with him. Years later Jacob fled to Laban's household, fell in love with Rachel, and served seven years for her, only to be deceived into marrying Leah first. Jacob then married Rachel and continued working for Laban while their flocks and fortunes became sources of tension. After years of changing arrangements, Jacob secretly departed with his family. Laban pursued him, but God warned Laban in a dream not to harm Jacob. The two men made a covenant and boundary agreement before separating.
Biblical Significance
Laban is a major figure in Jacob's transformation. Jacob, who had practiced deception within his own family, experienced deception from Laban while God nevertheless protected him and fulfilled the covenant promises.