Introduction
The soul is the most intimate and precious part of who we are, the center of our mind, will, and emotions. It shapes how we think, love, and respond to God. When the psalmist cried, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name” (Psalm 103:1), he revealed the soul’s vital role as the seat of our inner life, the place where worship, reasoning, and emotion meet.
When a soul is in bondage, everything about life is affected: relationships, health, peace, purpose, and prayer. Through both Scripture and personal experience, I’ve learned that soul captivity is real, but so is redemption through Jesus Christ.
Understanding the Nature of the Soul
As author Rebecca Brown explains in “He Came to Set the Captives Free,” the soul holds our personality and identity — it’s the essence of who we are. The Bible paints a similar picture in Genesis 2:7, which says:
“Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.”
The soul is not just something we have; it is what we are — the living, conscious expression of God’s breath within us. Because of this divine nature, the enemy seeks to claim or manipulate souls. For some, this comes through deliberate exchange for fame or material things; for others, it happens through deceit and spiritual manipulation.
Jesus Himself warned about this in Mark 8:36:
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?”
The state of your soul determines the direction and quality of your life. A bound soul means a bound destiny.
The Biblical Reality of Soul Hunting and captivity
From ancient times, the souls of men have been hunted, trapped, and enslaved through deception and witchcraft. In Ezekiel 13:20, God warns:
“Behold, I am against your magic charms by which you hunt souls there like birds.”
Similarly, in Psalm 54:3, David laments:
“For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul.”
The battle for the soul is not new. It’s an ancient spiritual battle, and the enemy still uses both old and modern tactics to bind God’s children today.
How Souls Become Bound
In my own journey, and from speaking with others, I have learned that life’s hardest struggles occur when a person’s soul is bound. Whoever controls your soul influences your direction, emotions, and destiny.
Although God declares that “all souls are mine” (Ezekiel 18:4), Scripture also shows that it’s possible to surrender your soul knowingly or unknowingly through deception.
Here are some of the common ways souls become bound:
- Through witchcraft and occult ceremonies: When personal items such as hair, clothing, or names are used in rituals or sacrifices. In most cases, the name of the victim is summoned.
- Through sexual acts: Intentional or manipulated sexual encounters can serve as spiritual covenants. The victims are unaware
- Through food: Food can act as a spiritual altar, a point of contact for demonic exchange.
- Through symbolic objects: As in Ezekiel 13:18–20, where magicians used arm bands and veils to trap souls.
The tactics may have evolved, but the intention remains the same: to enslave the soul of man. I witnessed this firsthand growing up with a father who practiced witchcraft, and later heard the same accounts from witches who found freedom in Christ.
A Personal Encounter with Soul Captivity
I used to have recurring dreams of being in unfinished houses sometimes with unfamiliar women, and often with an ex or someone I had only seen on social media. In these dreams, I was always submissive to the woman and there was always one constant element: a child or children involved.
It didn’t matter whether I was fasting, praying, or on a dry fast, the dreams continued. For a long time, I misinterpreted the dreams, believing God wanted me to start a real estate business but that a spiritual spouse was blocking it. I prayed earnestly for that “business,” but nothing changed.
Instead, the closest I came, I dreamt running away from an enclosed house in a compound, only to be stopped at the gate. This was a symbol of captivity.
That season was one of the darkest in my life, filled with loneliness, hopelessness, and tears. There were nights I would wake from a deep sleep only to realise I was crying, feeling completely forsaken. Yet even in my ignorance, God showed me mercy.
The Moment of Revelation
One night, as I lay in bed without even praying, my heart quietly asked, “Lord, when will these dreams stop?”
That night, I had a dream where I heard a clear, still voice call my name and ask,
“Where is your soul?”
When I woke up, those words echoed in my spirit. It became clear that my soul was not where it should be — it was in captivity. I immediately stopped pursuing the “real estate business” prayers and turned my focus to Scripture, searching for verses on redeeming the soul.
Through prayer, fasting and proclaiming deliverance scriptures, these dreams vanished. The Lord redeemed my soul. My hopelessness turned into joy, and my confusion into purpose.
It became my testimony.
Recognizing Signs of Soul Bondage
If you suspect your soul may be bound, here are some signs to look out for:
- Recurring dreams where you are trapped or unable to leave a place
- Persistent loneliness that no one can fill
- Repeated dreams of eating food with unknown or deceased people
- Constant setbacks and failure, no matter your effort
- A deep sense of hopelessness or loss of purpose
These are not coincidences; they are indicators of soul captivity. The good news is that God still redeems souls today.
The Path to Deliverance
Deliverance from soul captivity begins with revelation and repentance. The moment you realize your soul is bound and cry out to God, He begins to move on your behalf.
1. Acknowledge the bondage.
Accept that something is wrong and that you need God’s help.
2. Repent and renounce.
Repent for every known and unknown covenant made against your soul. Declare that your soul belongs to God alone.
3. Redeem through the Word.
Declare Scriptures such as Psalm 19:7 (“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul”) and Ezekiel 18:4 (“All souls are mine”).
4. Pray persistently.
The prayers of a free soul carry power. As you pray with faith, God restores what was stolen.
5. Maintain holiness and renewal.
Soul deliverance is maintained by walking in obedience, purity, and the Word of God.
Conclusion
Soul captivity is real, but so is God’s power to deliver. A bound soul can lead to confusion, depression, and stagnation, but a redeemed soul lives in peace, purpose, and freedom.
The Lord who asked me, “Where is your soul?” is the same God who restored it. What He did for me, He can do for you.
In the prayer section, I’ll share powerful biblical prayers that can help you redeem your soul and break every covenant holding it captive.
📖 “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” — Psalm 23:3
