Soul Ties in the Bible: Meaning, Examples, Dangers, and Freedom
When we talk about soul ties in the Bible, we mean deep connections between people that go beyond feelings. For example, these bonds affect your heart, your mind, and even your spirit.
Although the Bible never actually uses the words “soul tie”—that’s a modern term—it clearly shows the idea. For instance, Scripture talks about souls being “knit together” (1 Samuel 18:1) and about marriage making two people “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Similarly, it shows how some relationships can either bring you closer to God or pull you away from Him.
In this guide, I’ll explain where it talks about soul ties in the Bible. Then, I’ll share examples of healthy and unhealthy ties, discuss the dangers of toxic ones, and show you how to find freedom if you feel bound in ways that aren’t good for you.
What Are Soul Ties in the Bible?
Soul ties in the Bible are deep spiritual connections between people that affect your emotions, decisions, and even your spirit. For instance, a healthy soul tie, like in marriage (Genesis 2:24), brings love, support, and unity. But, unhealthy soul ties, such as those with toxic or harmful people, can weigh you down emotionally and spiritually (1 Corinthians 15:33). Because of this, recognizing these ties is important. Then, you can nurture the positive ones and release the negative ones, ensuring your heart and soul stay free, balanced, and strong.
So no, soul ties aren’t some weird superstition—they’re very real, and they shape us, sometimes for life.
Where Does It Talk About Soul Ties in the Bible?
The Bible doesn’t use the exact phrase “soul tie,” but the Bible clearly talks about the idea through relationships, emotional bonds, and spiritual connections. Here’s where it shows up:
Marriage = a healthy soul tie when Genesis 2:24 says
Genesis 2:24 says, “A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” This “one flesh” connection isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and spiritual. God designed it to be a beautiful, life-giving bond.
Strong friendships = spiritual soul ties in 1 Samuel 18:1-3
1 Samuel 18:1-3 shows Jonathan and David becoming “one in spirit.” Friendships can create strong soul ties in a positive, God-honoring way.
Intimate relationships = strong soul ties (Proverbs 5:3-4 & 6:27-29):
These verses show that intimate relationships form strong bonds that affect you emotionally and spiritually, which is why the Bible advises caution.
Spiritual compatibility matters when 2 Corinthians 6:14 says
2 Corinthians 6:14 says, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.” Being closely tied to someone who doesn’t share your values can create unhealthy soul ties that weigh you down.
Related- Aries Man and Leo Woman: Love Compatibility
Freedom from bad ties when Galatians 5:1 reminds us
Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Even if you’ve had negative connections, Christ helps you break free and heal.
So basically, the Bible talks about soul ties through marriage, friendships, intimate relationships, and spiritual bonds. God wants the good ones to bless your life, while the bad ones are meant to be broken so you can stay free, emotionally healthy, and spiritually strong.
Godly and Ungodly Soul Ties in the Bible
- Godly soul ties
(These are healthy soul ties that pull you closer to God and bring life.)
Signs of Godly Soul Ties (with Bible Examples)
1. Unity in God’s Design
📖 “A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)
➝ Marriage is the clearest example. Two partners become one—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This is God’s blueprint for unity, love, and covenant.
2. Covenant Friendships
📖 “The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” (1 Samuel 18:1–3)
➝ This wasn’t just friendship—it was loyalty, sacrifice, and brotherhood in God. That’s what happens when Godly friendships form: they push you toward purpose, not away from it.
3. Mutual Love & Sacrifice
📖 “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
➝ A godly tie isn’t selfish. It’s about giving, protecting, and serving—not using or draining the other person.
4. Encouragement Toward Righteousness
📖 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
➝ Real godly ties don’t leave you stuck—they sharpen your character and help you walk in wisdom.
5. Produces Fruit of the Spirit & Peace
📖 “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23)
➝ Godly ties naturally produce peace and joy. If the bond constantly brings drama, jealousy, and confusion—it’s not godly.
- Ungodly soul ties
(These are unhealthy soul ties that pull you away from God and bring bondage.)
Signs of Ungodly Soul Ties (with Bible Examples)
1. Sexual Sin Outside Marriage
📖 “Do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For ‘the two,’ He says, ‘shall become one flesh.’” (1 Corinthians 6:16)
➝ Sex is powerful—it bonds souls. But outside marriage, it creates unhealthy attachments that damage both hearts and spirits.
2. Manipulation & Control
📖 Samson & Delilah (Judges 16:4–21)
➝ Samson was tied to Delilah through lust, but she manipulated him for her own gain. That’s what ungodly ties do—they use you, weaken you, and eventually betray you.
3. Idolatry & Rebellion
📖 “They joined themselves also to Baal of Peor, and ate sacrifices made to the dead.” (Psalm 106:28)
➝ Israel’s ties to idols pulled them out of God’s blessing. When your loyalty shifts from God to something else (idols, addictions, toxic people), that tie is ungodly.
4. Toxic Influence in Marriage
📖 Ahab & Jezebel (1 Kings 21:25)
➝ Ahab’s tie to Jezebel pushed him deeper into sin. Instead of lifting him, she led him astray. An ungodly tie in marriage (or any close relationship) can destroy destinies.
5. Bondage & Confusion
Ungodly ties bring heaviness—fear, jealousy, guilt, and emotional turmoil. Instead of freedom in Christ, they keep you chained in cycles of restlessness and pain..
The Dangers of Soul Ties
Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 6:16 makes it clear—soul ties are powerful. But if they’re ungodly, they can:
- Weaken your spiritual life, making it harder to hear God’s voice and follow His guidance.
- Create emotional dependency, so happiness and self-worth rely on someone else.
- Causes repeated hurt, keeping you trapped in cycles of pain or conflict.
- Make forgiveness difficult, letting bitterness or resentment build over time.
- Influence poor decisions, leading away from God’s will and values.
- Harm character, shaping attitudes or behaviors in negative ways.
- Blur personal boundaries, making it easier to be manipulated, hurt, or drained.
- Stall personal growth, slowing emotional, spiritual, and relational maturity.
- Affect future relationships, carrying unresolved wounds or emotionally unhealthy patterns forward.
- Open doors to spiritual vulnerability, giving the enemy access to the heart and mind.
Being aware of these dangers helps form relationships that strengthen faith, bring peace, and encourage growth rather than pull away from God.
How to Break Ungodly Soul Ties
The good news is God doesn’t leave us stuck. Therefore, here’s a helpful guide from the Bible to break ungodly soul ties:
- First, pray earnestly (Psalm 34:17) – Ask God to break any harmful connections.
- Next, confess & repent (1 John 1:9) – Let God cleanse you and forgive past mistakes.
- Then, forgive (Ephesians 4:31 32) – Release bitterness so it doesn’t control you.
- Also, renounce unhealthy ties – Speak freedom over past connections and let them go.
- Set boundaries (Proverbs 4:23) – Guard your heart carefully.
- Renew your mind (Romans 12:2) – Replace lies or harmful patterns with God’s truth.
- Seek accountability – Lean on pastors, mentors, or trusted believers for support.
So overall, God wants His children free, whole, and fully His.
Scriptural Guidance for Healthy Soul Ties
Here is some Biblical wisdom about forming healthy soul ties that honor God. Because the people we connect with can shape our hearts, minds, and even our futures. Here’s what the Bible says:
- Sharpen each other’s faith – Proverbs 27:17: Encourage growth, so both hearts grow stronger in God.
- Walk with the wise – Proverbs 13:20: Surround yourself with Godly influences, because the right company shapes your heart and choices.
- Guard your heart and soul – Proverbs 4:23: Protect your emotions and spiritual health, so negative influences don’t take root.
- Love with patience and kindness – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: Build relationships on grace, not control or selfishness.
- Stay rooted in Christ – John 15:5: Let Jesus be the foundation of every bond, ensuring it bears lasting spiritual fruit.
- Encourage and uplift one another – Hebrews 10:24-25: Celebrate victories and lovingly correct, so growth is mutual and God-honoring.
- Maintain boundaries and purity – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5: Respect emotional, physical, and spiritual limits, creating trust and safety.
- Avoid toxic or unequal connections – 1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Corinthians 6:14: Choose relationships that strengthen faith, keeping hearts aligned with God.
- Practice forgiveness and reconciliation – Colossians 3:13: Release grudges and extend grace, allowing bonds to heal and thrive.
- Seek God’s wisdom before deep bonds – James 1:5: Pray and discern, so kindred spirit connections honor God and protect your heart.
- Encourage humility, not pride or dependency – Philippians 2:3-4: Serve and respect each other, building balanced, Christ-centered relationships.
- Keep joy and peace central – Romans 15:13: Foster hope, positivity, and encouragement, so relationships bring life instead of stress.
- Share faith and spiritual growth together – Matthew 18:20: Pray, study, and grow spiritually together, letting Christ strengthen your bond.
Conclusion
Soul ties in the Bible show us just how powerful relationships are. Because some—like Jonathan and David’s friendship or marriage—are life-giving. But others—like Samson and Delilah—are destructive.
But here’s the key truth: our strongest, deepest soul tie must be with God.
When we love Him first (Matthew 22:37), every other relationship falls into its right place. Godly ties then become blessings, and ungodly ones lose their grip when surrendered to Him.
In short, soul ties shape your destiny. Stay connected to the ones that lead you closer to God, and release the ones that hold you back.
