Nephi’s appearance was so completely that of Laban that the servant accepted the illusion without hesitation. Even if the voice were somewhat different, the servant’s expectation of hearing Laban would have encouraged him to hear what he expected to hear and acted accordingly. Hugh Nibley has suggested:
How Nephi disguised himself in the clothes of Laban and tricked Laban’s servant into admitting him into the treasury is an authentic bit of Oriental romance, and of history as well. One need but think of Sir Richard Burton’s amazingly audacious masquerades in the East, carried on in broad daylight and for months on end with perfect success, to realize that such a thing is entirely possible.
Nephi’s experience was more than a simple generic deception, however, as Nephi had to appear as Laban in Laban’s house and before a servant who knew him well. Doubtless Yahweh provided assistance to the illusion.