What is laman in the bible?

Laman was one of the sons of Lehi, a prophet and patriarch in the Book of Mormon. According to the Book of Mormon, Laman and his brother Lemuel were rebellious and contentious towards their younger brothers, Nephi and Sam. They were especially resentful of Nephi, who was chosen by their father to be the spiritual leader of their family and to receive the plates of brass, which contained the genealogy and religious history of their people.

Laman and Lemuel frequently mocked and mistreated Nephi, and eventually became so angry with him that they plotted to kill him. However, after being rebuked by an angel and witnessing several miraculous events, they temporarily repented and submitted to Nephi's authority. Nevertheless, their rebellious nature ultimately led them to separate from Nephi and his followers and establish their own civilization, which became known as the Lamanites.

In the Book of Mormon, the Lamanites are portrayed as the wicked enemies of the righteous Nephites, with whom they engage in numerous wars and conflicts throughout the history of the ancient American continent. Despite their initial rebellion and animosity towards Nephi, Laman and Lemuel are also depicted as tragic figures who are capable of repentance and redemption.