Soul Ties

A soul tie is an emotional bond that eventually forms a spiritual attachment. Some ties are godly, while others are ungodly and invite demonic influence in our lives. This post will describe the Biblical definition of soul ties, as well as provide information about how to identify and break unhealthy soul ties.

What are Soul Ties?

A soul tie most often refers to a link between two people in the spiritual realm. It is a union of souls, which can bring fourth beneficial or negative consequences. Common godly bonds include that between a parent and child as well as between a husband and wife. Unhealthy soul ties include bonds between divorced people and former relationships, ties to deceased family members, ties formed from unhealthy infatuation with other people or objects, and more.

Whenever we have a close, intimate connection with someone, the possibility for forming a soul tie exists. While most people think of romantic or sexual relationships in this context, it is not uncommon for people to form attachments with teachers, counselors, therapists, physicians, coworkers, and even celebrities or other people they have never met. In fact, people can even form soul ties to pets and inanimate objects, such as money, jewelry, or treasured possessions.

They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.
~2 Peter 2:19

Godly Soul Ties

In a godly marriage, God links a husband and wife together, and the Bible tells us they become one flesh. The purpose of this cleaving is to build a healthy, strong bond between a man and a woman.

…For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.
~Matthew 19:5

Soul ties are not just limited to marriage though. Some close friendships can also create a soul tie.

The Consequences of Unhealthy Soul Ties

Unions that are not under the lordship of Christ have the ability to affect us spiritually, emotionally, and even physically. In the demonic world, unholy soul ties can serve as “bridges” between people. In these cases, the demonic have the ability to pass spirits, unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and habits between the two. Other times, they can actually allow one person to manipulate the other.

Soul ties essentially fragment our souls and “lend” parts of ourselves out to others.

This may manifest in unexplained feelings or emotions, confusion, lethargy, codependency, and an undesirable, almost irresistible “pull” towards the other person or object. Soul ties are often to blame when a person can’t resist an unhealthy relationship, such as an abusive situation or when one partner continually takes advantage of the other.

Many divorced couples experience continuing unwanted thoughts about their ex-spouse and even sense the other person’s emotions or struggles. Older or adult children who remain cleaved to a parent may feel they cannot survive on their own and fail to develop independence.

People who have one or more soul ties often find it difficult to bond or experience a fully united relationship with another person because of the influence of the tie.

How Soul Ties are Formed

A soul tie can form from any behavior that places too much emphasis on a relationship. Even something as seemingly benign as an infatuation with a famous actor or singer can open the door for an unnatural soul tie. Below are the mainways we develop unhealthy soul ties. Keep in mind that soul ties can form as a result of any fixation or relationship that is contrary to the will of God. This list is in no way complete; rather it is just some of the most common ways they may manifest in a person’s life.

Sexual Relations

Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”
~1 Corinthians 6:16

When a person has sexual relations with another person outside the bonds of marriage, an ungodly soul tie is formed.

Close Relationships

After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.
~1 Samuel 18:1

The above scripture is an example of a healthy, godly soul tie. Sadly, some codependent friendships can also result in ungodly soul ties.

Vows

If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.
~Numbers 30:2

Vows bind souls together. Marriage is an example of a binding vow. Other examples include parents who vow to protect or control their children for their entire lives.

Sudden Loss or Prolonged Grief

Sometimes, grieving over a close family member or friend can produce a soul tie. This is especially common with miscarriage, the loss of a child or sibling, and in cases of suicide. When we succumb to the spirit of heaviness, we invite the enemy to enter and plague us with visions, dreams, and experiences of a loved one. These manifestations are unhealthy and can cause an increase in grief. To break the cycle, the soul tie needs to be broken and the spirit of heaviness cast out.

Lust and Ungodly Attraction

And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her. And his soul cleaved unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spoke kindly unto the damsel.
~Genesis 34:2-3

Pornography and elicit photos invite the demonic into our lives and can result in soul ties. I once worked with a young woman who had hundreds of ties from an immodest photo that was published in an online catalog. The girl exhibited many strange behaviors, including unnatural sexual desires, promiscuity, and the inability to form close, meaningful relationships. Once the soul ties were broken and she repented of her behavior, the behaviors and desires stopped instantly.

Breaking Soul Ties

Fortunately, breaking soul ties is as simple as identifying the ungodly tie, repenting for sinful behavior that led to the tie, and canceling the bond. The results of breaking soul ties are usually instantaneous. Many people describe lightness and relief. Below is a sample prayer to break a soul tie. The words are not as important as the posture of the heart and the intent of the person praying.

“Heavenly Father, I thank You for being the God of my past, present, and future. Thank You for the redemption that is mine through Jesus Christ and for calling all things into light (John 1:5). In Jesus’ name, I confess and renounce all sins in which I have knowingly or unknowingly participated. I now receive forgiveness and cleansing in my soul for these sins. In Jesus’ name, I forgive any who forced me to participate in ungodly actions that resulted in ungodly covenants. I renounce any covenants that are contrary to Your will and renounce all sinful or destructive relationships that were not submitted to You. In Jesus’ name and by His authority alone, I hereby cancel all covenants from my past that are not godly covenants. Father, I ask that You sever the soul ties between myself and [list names of any persons to whom you are tied.] Jesus, thank You for setting me free. Thank You for strengthening me and enabling me to submit all of my current and future relationships to Your holy authority. In Jesus’ name, Amen”