Laban Character Analysis in Genesis

Laban is Rebekah’s brother and one of Bethuel’s sons. Jacob flees to Laban after tricking Esau out of Isaac’s blessing. Laban agrees to give Jacob his daughter Rachel as a wife in exchange for seven years of work, but after the seven years are up, he tricks Jacob by giving him Rachel’s sister, Leah, instead. After that, he also gives Rachel in exchange for another seven years’ work. Years later, Laban displays his deceitful nature again by removing animals from his flocks which he’d promised to Jacob. After Jacob, his wives, and his children flee from Laban, Laban pursues them and accuses Jacob of theft, but he ultimately makes a covenant Jacob and lets them all go with his blessing.

Laban Character Timeline in Genesis

The timeline below shows where the character Laban appears in Genesis. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Covenants and Faith in God’s Promises Theme Icon

...his faithfulness toward Abraham. Rebekah runs home and tells everyone about the guest. Her brother, Laban, comes to welcome the servant and listens to his errand. After he hears the servant’s... (full context)

Mistrust, Disobedience, and Death Theme Icon

...dies. But when Rebekah hears of this, she orders Jacob to flee to her brother Laban in Haran until Esau’s anger subsides—she can’t bear to lose both sons in one day. (full context)

...must travel to his grandfather Bethuel’s homeland of Paddan-aram and take one of his uncle Laban’s daughters as his wife. Isaac prays that God will bless Jacob and his offspring with... (full context)

...sheep lying beside it. The shepherds tell him they’re from Haran and that they know Laban; in fact, Laban’s daughter Rachel is approaching with her sheep right now. When Jacob sees... (full context)

After Jacob has stayed at Laban’s house for a month, Laban says that Jacob shouldn’t work for him for free—what should... (full context)

At the end of the seven years, Jacob asks Laban for Rachel, and Laban throws a marriage feast. But that night, he brings Leah to... (full context)

After Joseph’s birth, Jacob asks Laban to release him from service, so that he can return to his own country. Laban... (full context)

...Next Jacob makes sure that the stronger animals breed, while driving the weaker ones into Laban’s flock. That way he ensures that his flock emerges stronger. Through these methods, Jacob becomes... (full context)

Jacob hears that Laban’s sons are upset about the wealth he’s gained at their father’s expense; he also sees... (full context)

...that he is causing these animals to mate with the flock, because he sees that Laban is trying to cheat Jacob. Then he tells Jacob to return to his own land.... (full context)

Meanwhile, Rachel has stolen her father Laban’s household gods. Three days after Jacob’s household sets out, Laban’s household pursues Jacob’s. When Laban... (full context)

Jacob gets angry about his father-in-law’s intrusion. He reminds Laban of all the good fortune he’s brought him over the past 20 years. Laban offers... (full context)