Exodus 7:23

KJV

And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Pharaoh {H6547} turned {H6437} and went {H935} into his house {H1004}, neither did he set {H7896} his heart {H3820} to this {H2063} also.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pharaoh just turned and went back to his palace, without taking any of this to heart.

Berean Standard Bible

Instead, Pharaoh turned around, went into his palace, and did not take any of this to heart.

American Standard Version

And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he lay even this to heart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 7:23 succinctly captures Pharaoh's immediate and defiant response to the first plague, the transformation of the Nile into blood. Despite witnessing an undeniable supernatural event and its devastating impact on his kingdom, Pharaoh chose to retreat into the perceived safety of his palace, refusing to genuinely consider the divine power demonstrated before him. This act of willful disregard established a pattern of stubbornness and spiritual blindness that would characterize his continued opposition to God's commands throughout the unfolding narrative of the plagues.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse immediately follows the dramatic execution of the first plague, where Aaron, at God's command, struck the Nile, turning all the waters of Egypt into blood, rendering them undrinkable and causing immense suffering and death among the fish [Exodus 7:19-21](/exodus/7-19-21 "The First Plague: Water to Blood"). The plague was a direct assault on Egypt's lifeblood and its deities, particularly Hapi (god of the Nile) and Khnum (guardian of the Nile's source). Pharaoh's magicians attempted to replicate the miracle, succeeding only in a limited way, but they could not undo the plague. In the face of such overwhelming evidence of Yahweh's supremacy, Pharaoh's reaction in verse 23 is presented as a deliberate, personal choice to disengage and ignore the divine warning, setting the stage for the escalating conflict and his persistent hardening of heart.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society, with the Pharaoh considered a divine king, a living manifestation of Horus, and son of Ra. The Nile River was central to Egyptian life, economy, and religion, revered as a source of fertility and a god in itself. The first plague, therefore, was not merely an inconvenience but a direct attack on the very fabric of Egyptian existence and the perceived power of its gods and its divine ruler. Pharaoh's retreat into his "house" (likely his palace) reflects a cultural expectation for a monarch to maintain composure and project an image of control, even in crisis. His refusal to "set his heart" must be understood against this backdrop of a ruler whose authority and divinity were being directly challenged by an external, unseen power.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 7:23 significantly contributes to several major themes within the book of Exodus. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty versus Human Rebellion**, demonstrating God's absolute power over creation and human will, contrasted with Pharaoh's defiant resistance. Secondly, it introduces the critical theme of the **Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart**, showing Pharaoh's initial self-willed obstinacy which precedes and then intertwines with God's active hardening of his heart, ultimately serving God's redemptive purposes [Exodus 9:12](/exodus/9-12 "God hardens Pharaoh's heart"). Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Human Response**, illustrating that even clear, miraculous signs do not guarantee a receptive human response, particularly when pride and self-interest are at stake. This sets a precedent for the escalating judgments that follow, as seen in the subsequent plagues described in [Exodus 8](/exodus/8 "Exodus 8 - The Plagues of Frogs, Gnats, and Flies").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pharaoh (Hebrew, _Parʻôh'_):** H6547. This is the general title for the Egyptian kings. In this context, it emphasizes the specific individual, the supreme ruler of Egypt, whose personal decision to "turn" and "not set his heart" is central to the narrative. His title underscores the immense power and authority he wielded, making his defiance all the more significant as a direct challenge to the ultimate authority of Yahweh.
* **turned (Hebrew, _pânâh'_):** H6437. This verb means "to turn," often implying a turning away or facing away. Here, it describes Pharaoh's physical act of turning and going into his house. However, it carries a profound symbolic weight, signifying a deliberate withdrawal, a turning away from the confrontation with God's power, and a dismissal of the divine message delivered by Moses and Aaron. It is not merely a physical movement but an act of spiritual disengagement.
* **set (Hebrew, _shîyth'_):** H7896. This primitive root means "to place," "to put," or "to appoint." When used with "heart" (lēb), as in "set his heart," it implies the act of applying one's attention, consideration, or will to something. Pharaoh's failure to "set" his heart indicates an active, volitional choice *not* to give serious thought or commitment to the divine sign. It's not a passive oversight but a conscious refusal to engage with the truth.
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** H3820. In biblical Hebrew, the "heart" is far more than just the seat of emotions; it is the center of one's entire being—intellect, will, conscience, and moral decision-making. Pharaoh's refusal to "set his heart" (or "place his attention/will") to the plague signifies a complete intellectual and volitional rejection of its divine origin and purpose. He deliberately chose to remain unpersuaded and unaffected, demonstrating a profound spiritual stubbornness that would define his actions throughout the plague narrative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Pharaoh turned and went into his house":** This clause describes Pharaoh's immediate physical reaction to the first plague. His act of "turning" (pânâh) and retreating into his "house" (bayith, H1004, likely his palace) is not merely a casual departure but a deliberate withdrawal. It symbolizes his attempt to escape the uncomfortable reality of God's power and to reassert his own authority within his private domain, effectively shutting out the divine challenge. This physical retreat underscores his initial disengagement and refusal to acknowledge the gravity of the situation.
* **"neither did he set his heart to this also":** This crucial second clause reveals the deeper, internal dimension of Pharaoh's resistance. The phrase "set his heart" (shîyth lêb) means to give serious consideration, attention, or commitment. By not "setting his heart to this also," Pharaoh consciously chose to disregard the plague's divine origin and implications. It signifies a willful blindness, an intellectual and volitional rejection of the evidence presented. This was not a failure to comprehend, but an active decision to ignore, demonstrating a profound spiritual stubbornness that would prove foundational to his continued defiance against God's will. The word "also" ("this also," zôʼth, H2063) implies that this rejection was consistent with his previous dismissals of Moses and Aaron's warnings.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 7:23 effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey Pharaoh's hardened state. **Symbolism** is prominent, as Pharaoh's physical act of "turning and going into his house" symbolizes his internal turning away from God's truth and his retreat into a false sense of security and control within his own domain. His "heart" (lēb) is also highly symbolic, representing not just emotion but the core of his intellect, will, and moral decision-making, making his refusal to "set his heart" a profound act of volitional rebellion. **Contrast** is evident in the stark difference between the overwhelming power of God displayed in the plague and Pharaoh's utterly dismissive and defiant response, highlighting the human capacity for spiritual blindness even in the face of undeniable evidence. Finally, the verse serves as powerful **foreshadowing**, establishing Pharaoh's initial, self-imposed obstinacy which sets the stage for the escalating cycle of plagues and his subsequent, divinely orchestrated hardening of heart, ultimately leading to his downfall and the demonstration of God's glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse marks a critical juncture, revealing Pharaoh's initial, self-willed obstinacy in the face of divine power. His refusal to "set his heart" to the plague is not a passive oversight but an active, volitional choice to disregard God's clear revelation. This act of spiritual stubbornness sets the pattern for the escalating conflict between Yahweh and Pharaoh, illustrating that even overwhelming evidence of God's power can be willfully rejected by a proud and defiant heart. It underscores the profound truth that human rebellion often precedes and precipitates divine judgment, demonstrating God's justice in allowing individuals to continue in the path they have chosen.

* [Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Pharaoh's Hardness of Heart After the Frogs")
* [Proverbs 29:1](/proverbs/29-1 "The Consequences of Stubbornness")
* [Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "God Gives Them Over to a Reprobate Mind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 7:23 serves as a profound and timeless warning against spiritual apathy and the perilous choice to ignore God's clear communications. Pharaoh's immediate retreat and refusal to "set his heart" illustrate that divine revelation, regardless of its clarity or power, can be willfully rejected by a stubborn will. For believers today, this verse prompts critical self-examination: Do we genuinely "set our hearts" to God's Word and His evident workings in our lives, or do we, like Pharaoh, turn away from truths that challenge our comfort zones, preconceived notions, or personal agendas? An open, receptive, and humble heart is indispensable for spiritual growth, leading to obedience and blessing rather than the judgment that follows persistent rebellion. It reminds us that true wisdom begins not with intellectual assent alone, but with a heart willing to be shaped by God's truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be, like Pharaoh, "turning away" or refusing to "set your heart" to God's clear truth or leading?**
* **What are the potential consequences of willfully ignoring divine revelation in your own life?**
* **How can you cultivate a heart that is more receptive and humble before God's Word and His demonstrated power?**

### FAQ
**What does "neither did he set his heart to this also" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase, using the Hebrew *sîm lēḇ*, indicates a deliberate and willful act of ignoring or dismissing the significance of the plague. It's not a mere lack of understanding or comprehension, but a conscious refusal to give serious consideration, attention, or commitment to the divine message and power demonstrated. Pharaoh actively chose to harden his will against God's clear revelation, effectively deciding not to be persuaded or moved by the evidence. This highlights the volitional aspect of his rebellion.

**Did Pharaoh have a choice, or was his heart already hardened by God?**

Answer: At this early stage in the plague narrative, Pharaoh's heart is primarily hardened by his own will and pride. The text here emphasizes his personal decision to "not set his heart" to the sign, indicating his own culpability and agency. While God later explicitly hardens Pharaoh's heart [Exodus 9:12](/exodus/9-12 "God hardens Pharaoh's heart"), this divine action typically occurs after Pharaoh has repeatedly hardened his *own* heart, demonstrating a pattern of self-willed rebellion that ultimately leads to God's judicial hardening. This illustrates a complex interplay between human free will and divine sovereignty, where God allows human choices to run their course, ultimately using them to fulfill His greater redemptive purposes and demonstrate His glory to the world [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "God's Sovereignty and Pharaoh").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Pharaoh's defiant rejection of God's power and word in Exodus 7:23 profoundly prefigures humanity's broader tendency to reject divine truth, culminating in the ultimate rejection of Jesus Christ, God's perfect and final revelation. Just as Pharaoh turned away from the signs and wonders performed by Moses, many in Israel and throughout history have turned away from Christ, who performed even greater miracles and spoke with unparalleled authority [John 1:10-11](/john/1-10-11 "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him"). Yet, unlike Pharaoh who sought to preserve his earthly kingdom and pride through stubbornness, Christ, the true King, humbled Himself, "set His heart" to the Father's will even unto death [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience"), and endured rejection, crucifixion, and burial to accomplish salvation for all who believe [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "He was despised and rejected by men"). His willing sacrifice and perfect obedience stand in stark contrast to Pharaoh's prideful resistance, offering a path to eternal life for all who will, unlike Pharaoh, set their hearts upon Him and believe in His name [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God so loved the world").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 22:17

¶ Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

Psalms 62:10

Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart [upon them].

Proverbs 24:32

Then I saw, [and] considered [it] well: I looked upon [it, and] received instruction.

1 Samuel 4:20

And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard [it].

Job 7:17

¶ What [is] man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?

Jeremiah 5:3

O LORD, [are] not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, [but] they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.

Habakkuk 1:5

¶ Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for [I] will work a work in your days, [which] ye will not believe, though it be told [you].