Persons of the Bible: Letter L
The letter L brings us into contact with families, leaders, servants, and early believers whose lives form important threads in the story of redemption. Here we meet Levi, whose descendants were set apart for priestly service; Lot, whose life warns against compromise yet highlights God’s mercy; Lemuel, taught to rule with wisdom; and Luke, the careful historian who recorded the compassion of Christ and the birth of the early Church. We also meet Lydia, whose open-hearted faith helped establish the Philippian church, and numerous quiet genealogical figures whose names remind us that God sees every life. Through these individuals—well-known and obscure—we continue to trace God’s steady hand at work through each generation.
Laadah
Laadah was a descendant of Judah and ancestor of the Zorathites.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:21
Laadan
Laadan was a Levite leader in the clan of Gershon.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 23:7
Laadan (descendant of Ephraim)
Another Laadan appears among the descendants of Ephraim.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:26
Laban
Laban was the brother of Rebekah and father of Leah and Rachel. His interactions with Jacob—marked by blessings, family ties, conflict, and eventual peace—shape the founding generations of Israel. Through Laban, we see God working even through imperfect relationships to fulfill His promises to Abraham’s descendants.
Scripture: Genesis 24:29–31; Genesis 29–31
Labana (variant)
A late variant spelling of Laban is preserved in certain manuscripts.
Scripture: Variant tradition
Labish
A genealogical name noted in textual traditions.
Scripture: Variant tradition
Lachish (personal-designation)
Primarily a location, included only where personal-form use appears.
Scripture: 2 Kings 18:14 (contextual)
Lahad
Lahad was a descendant of Judah.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:2
Lahmi
Lahmi was Goliath's brother, slain by Elhanan.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 20:5
Laish
Laish was the father of Palti, who was given Michal in marriage before she returned to David.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 25:44
Laish (Benjamite)
Another Laish appears among the Benjamite leaders who joined David at Ziklag.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 12:5
Lama (variant)
A minor genealogical name found in later traditions.
Scripture: Variant tradition
Lapidoth
Lapidoth is known as the husband of the prophetess Deborah.
Scripture: Judges 4:4
Lasha
A name listed among the early descendants of Shem in territorial genealogies.
Scripture: Genesis 10:19
Latine (Apocrypha)
A personal name occurring in the Apocryphal tradition.
Scripture: Apocrypha (variant tradition)
Lehab (also Lehabim; personal-designation)
Listed among the descendants of Mizraim and connected with early ancestral groupings.
Scripture: Genesis 10:13
— Lehabim (variant form)
Scripture: Genesis 10:13
Lemuel
Lemuel is addressed in Proverbs as a king being taught wisdom, justice, and moral clarity. His inclusion shows God’s desire for leaders who walk with integrity.
Scripture: Proverbs 31:1
Letushim
Letushim were descendants of Dedan listed in Abraham’s extended family.
Scripture: Genesis 25:3
Leummim
Leummim were also descendants of Dedan.
Scripture: Genesis 25:3
Levi
Levi was the third son of Jacob and Leah and ancestor of the priestly tribe set apart for God’s service. His descendants served in worship, instruction, and care of the sanctuary, reminding Israel of God’s holiness and the beauty of faithful service.
Scripture: Genesis 29:34; Exodus 6:16–25; Numbers 3; Deuteronomy 10:8–9
— Levite / Levites
Used for individuals from this priestly tribe.
Scripture: Numbers 1:50; Deuteronomy 18:1
Libni
Libni was a son of Gershon and an ancestor of the Libnites.
Scripture: Exodus 6:17
— Libnites (group designation)
Scripture: Numbers 3:21
Likhi
Likhi was a descendant of Manasseh.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:19
Lilit (Apocrypha)
A name or form preserved in certain Apocryphal traditions.
Scripture: Apocrypha (variant tradition)
Linus
Linus is greeted by Paul and remembered among early Christians for his faithful presence.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:21
Lois
Lois was the grandmother of Timothy, known for her sincere faith and strong spiritual influence.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:5
Lo-Ammi
Lo-Ammi, son of Hosea, bore a symbolic name expressing Israel’s broken covenant, yet also pointing toward future restoration.
Scripture: Hosea 1:9–10
Lo-Ruhamah
Lo-Ruhamah, daughter of Hosea, bore a name symbolizing judgment that would one day give way to mercy.
Scripture: Hosea 1:6
Lot
Lot was Abraham’s nephew who journeyed with him into Canaan. His story includes rescue from Sodom, conflict among shepherds, and the consequences of living near wickedness. Lot’s life highlights both the dangers of compromise and the mercy of God in rescuing the righteous.
Scripture: Genesis 11:31; Genesis 13; Genesis 19; 2 Peter 2:7
Luhith (personal-designation)
Primarily a location but included where personal usage appears.
Scripture: Isaiah 15:5 (contextual)
Lucius
Lucius was one of the prophets or teachers serving in the church at Antioch.
Scripture: Acts 13:1
— Lucius of Cyrene
Scripture: Acts 13:1
Luke
Luke was a physician, companion of Paul, and the author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts. Through careful research and Spirit-inspired writing, he emphasized Jesus’ compassion, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the growth of the early Church.
Scripture: Colossians 4:14; Luke 1:1–4; Acts 1:1
Lydia
Lydia was a devout woman from Thyatira and one of the first converts in Europe. A seller of purple cloth, she welcomed Paul and supported the early church in Philippi. Lydia’s open heart and generous hospitality reflect the beauty of living faith.
Scripture: Acts 16:14–15, 40
Lysanias
Lysanias was a ruler of Abilene cited during the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus.
Scripture: Luke 3:1
— Lysanus / Lysanior (grouped variants)
Alternative manuscript spellings.
Scripture: Variant tradition
Lysias
Lysias was the Roman commander who intervened to protect Paul during unrest in Jerusalem.
Scripture: Acts 21:31–40; Acts 23:26–30
Lysimachus (Apocrypha)
Mentioned in the Apocrypha in connection with Greek wisdom literature and textual transmission.
Scripture: Apocrypha (Prologue to Sirach)
As we conclude the letter L, we are reminded that every name preserved in Scripture carries meaning within God’s unfolding story. Some are pillars of the biblical narrative; others appear only briefly. Yet each life—whether a patriarch, a priest, a believer, or a quiet genealogical link—testifies that God is active in the details of history and in the lives of ordinary people.
As we move forward to the letter M, we continue discovering how every person, great or small, fits into the greater story that leads us to Jesus Christ, the One who fulfills every promise.
