Laban
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Laban in the Bible?
Laban appears in Genesis 24 as the brother of Rebekah and a key figure in the reception of Abraham's servant, where he facilitates the marriage arrangement between Isaac and Rebekah, and later serves as the father of Rachel and Leah in the Jacob narrative.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Laban's role clarifies the kinship structures and hospitality customs of ancient Near Eastern society, providing context for the familial dynamics and legal agreements central to the patriarchal narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Laban reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Laban in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Laban clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Laban." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/laban/