What does the Bible say about soulmates?
Many religious people from the Judeo-Christian tradition turn to the Bible to find out what it has to say about various aspects of life. The Bible itself, however, is filled with many different references to love, relationships, and marriage that can be open to interpretation. As far as soulmates go, the Bible does not say anything directly or clearly about soulmates. That said, it does contain references to qualities of an ideal friendship or love that could be seen as referring to soulmates.
One of the clearest things the Bible mentions with regards to soulmates is that it is God who brings together two people who are compatible. In the Book of Genesis (2:18-25) it says that God saw that it was not good for man to be alone and so brought him a companion. In this telling, it was God who brought a suitable and compatible companion to Adam. This could be interpreted as in endorsement for soulmates, seeing as God is the one responsible for finding a perfect match.
In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7ff, the Bible speaks about love and its characteristics. The passage speaks about unconditional love, affection and kindness which could certainly be seen in terms of a deeper and special bond between two people. Biblical authors sought to communicate aspects of complete and selfless love which could certainly be related to the notion of soulmates. This description of love has further been echoed in the Christian tradition as one of commitment, generosity and dedication.
The Bible also speaks about marriage and the qualities that it should involve. In Ephesians 5:22-33, it mentions how husbands and wives should love one another sacrificially, just as Christ loves the church. In this instance, the Scripture is calling on a level of sacrifice and love that could be related to that of soulmates. This particular passage is highlighting how two people can unconditionally devote themselves to one another and make sacrificial gestures for their beloved.
The Bible is open to interpretive readings, and it is down to the individual to determine what it is saying about soulmates. It is likely, however, that the Bible is going by a deeper intention when it speaks about love, relationships and marriage which may more closely resemble the connection of soulmates compared to other relationships. This could mean that the Bible acknowledges the existence of soulmates and that it is God who unites two compatible people through divine providence.
Love and Marriage
The Bible certainly has much to say about love and marriage and many of these can be interpreted as references to soulmates. In Proverbs chapter 5, verses 18–19, it mentions that one’s spouse is to be kept “pure and sacred,” which can allude to true and dedicated love that goes beyond the physical. Furthermore, in passages such as Proverb 18:22, it says that one who finds a mate has indeed found a “precious treasure.” These descriptions, far from being foregone conclusions for all couples, might be a direct indication that special and deep connection is reserved for two people only, who’s union is blessed by God and truly a blessing in itself.
The Bible also instructs us to give love, respect, and kind treatment to our partner. In Ephesians 4:2-3, it mentions that we should forgive one another and not be too hard on our loved ones. In 1 Peter 3:7 it talks of husbands giving honor and respect to their wives. This respect and kindness offered by one partner to another is typically associated with soulmates. In this regard, the Bible is encouraging couples to act in a way that is indicative of those in soulmate relationships.
Further, the Bible talks about how the perfect love mentioned in original Song of Songs lasts and transcends. This is a clear example of what could be interpreted as a soulmate bond and reaffirms the connection between two partners as unique and divine. The sentiment “many waters cannot quench love” (Song 8:7) directly be seen as a metaphor for a soulmate connection that lasts through thick and thin.
Friendship and Companionship
The Bible is not only focused on romantic relationships, it also speaks of care, devotion, and understanding expected in friendships. In Proverbs 17:17, it indicates that a friend sticks closer than a brother, which speaks to a level of companionship that is similar to many soulmate connections. In the same vein, Proverbs 18:24 outlines how a person of true friends is seen as one who is able to stick by someone else come what may. This could speak to the soulful or spiritual pacts made between two soulmates.
Additionally, there is an expectation in the Bible to invest oneself in a friend in an unconditional way. In Luke 6:31, it says “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. This ties into the notion of the Golden Rule which points to treating another person in the same way as you would like to be treated in return. This could be taken as a sign of the soulmate connection, where two people are desperate to build a respectful and mutual relationship with each other.
The Bible further speaks of how a friendship connection of two people should involve active listening, respect, and unquestionable trust. In Proverbs 12:15 it states that being wise means one another and listening to anyone who has something to say. Seeking to understand the other and actively listening is something that soulmates aim to be better at. This passage in the Bible could be seen as pointing to the need for soulmates to trust and have faith in their relationships and actively seek to understand each other in a way that goes beyond the physical.
God and Soulmates
The Bible speaks of God’s love being unconditional and without boundaries. In John 15:13 it says that greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends, emphasising how much human love can resemble God’s love. God’s love is considered to be incomparable to anything else and it is a sentiment that calls for absolute devotion and unselfishness. This is very similar to the depth of connection sought after by soulmates, who aim to be close emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Moreover, God’s love is seen as limitless and eternal, as illustrated through songs such as “How Great Thou Art.” This idea of a lasting and never ending bond is something that soulmates can relate to, in that their connection and love for each other can be seen as undying and all-encompassing, transcending the physical. Also, in Romans 8:28 it says that all things work together for the good of those who love God. This could be interpreted as in this special bond, the two souls are directed by a higher power towards a common purpose, greater than themselves.
In terms of commitment, the Bible speaks about perseverance, even when it’s difficult. In 1 Corinthians 7:17 it says that each should remain in the same condition in which one was called. This could be read as God instructs two people to remain faithful to each other despite obstacles, which is characteristic of soulmates. Having faith in the relationship, come what may, is the goal of most soulmate relationships, emphasizing patience and resilience.
Soulmates and Forgiveness
The Bible certainly speaks about the need for forgiveness when offenses have occurred. In Ephesians 4:32 it says that one must forgive another, just as God has forgiven them. Similarly, in Colossians 3:13 it says to bear with one another and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you. These verses could point to how two soulmates should learn how to forgive any offenses that may occur.
In Matthew 6:14 it says to forgive and then it will be forgiven unto you, pointing to how much forgiveness can bring us closer to God. Similarly, in the same passage it speaks about how we must seek to forgive those who wrong us, rather than judging them. This is quite a fitting sentiment for those in a soulmate connection, as two people who are truly devoted to each other will learn how to be patient and offer forgiveness and understanding.
Further, the Bible speaks about how one should forgive from the heart, rather than merely saying the words, as it says in Mark 11:25. Such a message harks back to the notion that love makes all wrongs alright, as mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah, in this (31:3). This kind of epic and universal love is something that people think of when they consider soulmates, thereby affirming a notion of forgiveness in the soulmate connection.
Life After Soulmates
The Bible offers a few snippets that may refer to what life is like after finding one’s soulmate. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 it indicates that two are better than one. This could point to how two soulmates may be greater than one when they come together in a unified way. This passage speaks of how two souls, united in friendship and marital commitment, will be set free and unparalleled in their joy, comfort, and progress.
As a result of the Bible’s guidance, it can be seen that it acknowledges the existence of soulmates and provides guidance on how best to nurture such a holy and spiritual connection. From humility and respect to showing unconditional love, the Bible gives spiritual directives as to how two people can nurture and develop this heavenly bond. Ultimately, the Bible speaks of a desire for a deeper, more committed family and friendship groups. This could apply to soulmates who have reached a level of a shared ideology, prayers, and vision of life.
The Bible does not make a point of directly naming soulmates however the combination of its references to love, relationships, and marriage, certainly point to its higher message which may include an endorsement for soulmates. It indicates that it is not only physical attraction but also spiritual growth, communication, and love that make a union of two people that go beyond the physical and make them companions on a higher level.
