לבן

Lavan is an ancient Hebrew name with a dual and fascinating meaning. On one hand, the name derives from the root L-B-N, meaning 'white' - the pure and clear color, symbolizing in ancient Hebrew purity, righteousness, and clarity. On the other hand, the name is closely connected to the word 'levanah' - the moon, which appears in many Semitic cultures as a symbol of fertility, the cyclical nature of time, and feminine powers. In the Bible, Lavan is a central figure in the Book of Genesis, Rebekah's brother and the father of Rachel and Leah, two of the matriarchs of Israel. He is portrayed as a complex character - a wise and shrewd man, but also cunning and scheming, who repeatedly tries to deceive Jacob. Despite being Aramean rather than Hebrew, Lavan represents the deep familial connection between the patriarchs and their roots in Aram Naharaim. The name Lavan carries profound cultural and spiritual meanings. In ancient Semitic culture, the moon - levanah - was one of the most important celestial bodies, and moon worship was widespread in Aram and Mesopotamia. Lavan himself, according to Midrashic tradition, was an idol worshipper who kept teraphim - small idol statues - in his house, which Rachel stole when she fled with Jacob. The name reminds us of the struggle between Jacob's monotheistic faith and the pagan beliefs of his Aramean family. In this way, Lavan symbolizes the boundary between two worlds - the emerging Hebrew world and the ancient Aramean culture. He also represents human complexity - a figure who can be both hospitable and exploitative, both familial and foreign. In the modern context, the name Lavan carries all this historical and cultural weight. It is a rare and unique name, suitable for parents seeking a name with biblical depth that is not common. The name evokes the importance of family, the complex relationships between generations, and the ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation. Lavan is a name that prompts reflection on identity, roots, and each person's individual journey to find their place between past and present. It is fitting for a child whose parents wish to give him a name with deep historical significance, a name that recalls the formative period of the Jewish people and the complex, human stories found in the Bible.

לָבָן

Lavan | Laban

Boy

No

Genesis 29:14 - And Laban said to Jacob, 'Surely you are my bone and my flesh'

In Kabbalah, Lavan represents the power of the moon and feminine energies. The name symbolizes the duality between light and darkness, between revelation and concealment, and between the material and spiritual. Lavan reminds us of the need for balance between the different forces within the human soul.

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1

Lavan Albaaz - Israeli diamond dealer and businessman | Lavan Shemesh - biblical figure from Talmudic sources

לבנה | לביא | בן