Relatives of Laban
Jump to: SubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Laban, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is primarily known as the brother of Rebekah and the father of Leah and Rachel. His family plays a crucial role in the patriarchal narratives of Genesis, particularly in the lives of Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve tribes of Israel.

Bethuel
Bethuel is Laban's father, making him the grandfather of Leah and Rachel. He is mentioned in Genesis 24:15 as the son of Nahor, Abraham's brother, and Milcah. Bethuel's lineage establishes the familial connection between Laban and the patriarchs, as Rebekah, Laban's sister, becomes Isaac's wife, linking the families of Nahor and Abraham.

Rebekah
Rebekah is Laban's sister and the wife of Isaac, making her a matriarch in the line of Abraham. Her account is pivotal in Genesis 24, where she is chosen as a wife for Isaac. Rebekah's role is significant as she becomes the mother of Esau and Jacob, the latter being the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. Genesis 24:29 introduces Laban as Rebekah's brother, highlighting the close-knit family ties.

Leah and Rachel
Leah and Rachel are Laban's daughters, who become the wives of Jacob. Their marriages to Jacob are central to the narrative of Genesis 29-30. Leah, the elder daughter, is given to Jacob through Laban's deception, while Rachel, whom Jacob loves, is given to him after an additional seven years of service. These unions produce the majority of the tribes of Israel, with Leah bearing Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, and Rachel bearing Joseph and Benjamin.

Zilpah and Bilhah
Zilpah and Bilhah are maidservants given to Leah and Rachel, respectively, by Laban. They become secondary wives to Jacob and bear him additional sons. Zilpah bears Gad and Asher, while Bilhah bears Dan and Naphtali. These children further contribute to the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Jacob
Jacob, though not a blood relative, becomes Laban's son-in-law through his marriages to Leah and Rachel. His relationship with Laban is marked by mutual deception and conflict, as seen in Genesis 29-31. Jacob's time with Laban is a period of significant personal and familial growth, resulting in the expansion of his family and wealth.

Nahor and Milcah
Nahor, Laban's grandfather, is the brother of Abraham, and Milcah is Nahor's wife. This connection places Laban within the broader family of Terah, Abraham's father, and establishes the shared heritage between Laban's family and the patriarchs. Genesis 22:20-23 outlines this genealogy, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these families.

The relatives of Laban, through their interactions and relationships, play a vital role in the unfolding of God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants. Their accounts are interwoven with themes of faith, providence, and the fulfillment of divine promises, as seen throughout the book of Genesis.
Relatives of Ahaziah
Top of Page
Top of Page