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 describes Pharaoh's immediate and defiant reaction to the first plague, the turning of the Nile to blood. Despite witnessing a profound supernatural event and its devastating impact, Pharaoh chose to retreat into his palace, refusing to acknowledge the divine power demonstrated before him and thereby setting a pattern for his continued, willful defiance against God's commands.

### CONTEXT
This pivotal verse immediately follows the first of the [ten plagues](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/exodus/7 "The First Plague: Water to Blood"). At God's command, Aaron struck the Nile, transforming all the waters of Egypt into blood, rendering them undrinkable and causing widespread suffering ([Exodus 7:19](/exodus/7-19 "The First Plague: Water to Blood")). Despite this overwhelming supernatural display, and the inability of his own magicians to undo the plague, Pharaoh retreated into his palace, demonstrating an immediate and deliberate rejection of the divine message delivered by Moses and Aaron.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The KJV text, "And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also," succinctly captures Pharaoh's initial, defiant reaction to the first plague.

* **"And Pharaoh turned and went into his house":** This physical act signifies a deliberate withdrawal and dismissal. Instead of engaging with Moses and Aaron, or even acknowledging the profound implications of the plague, Pharaoh chose to retreat into his private domain. This action is not merely one of evasion, but a symbolic turning away from God's clear demonstration of power and authority. It suggests a willful disengagement from the divine confrontation, prioritizing his own comfort and sovereignty over the evident truth.

* **"neither did he set his heart to this also":** This crucial phrase reveals the depth of Pharaoh's resistance. The Hebrew expression, *sîm lēḇ* (שִׂים לֵב), literally means "to place the heart" or "to give attention." In biblical thought, the "heart" (*lēḇ*) is the seat of intellect, will, and moral decision-making, not just emotion. Therefore, Pharaoh's refusal to "set his heart" implies: a **Willful Disregard**, meaning he consciously chose not to give serious consideration or attention to the plague's divine origin and purpose, actively deciding to ignore it rather than failing to comprehend; an **Intellectual and Volitional Rejection**, as Pharaoh did not merely lack understanding but refused to allow the evidence to penetrate his will or alter his convictions, an act of spiritual stubbornness foundational to the unfolding narrative and setting the stage for his repeated hardening of heart throughout the subsequent plagues ([Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Pharaoh's continued stubbornness")); and a **Defiance Against Divine Revelation**, where God had clearly revealed His power and intent through the plague, yet Pharaoh consciously hardened himself against this truth, highlighting the human capacity to reject even overwhelming evidence when it conflicts with one's own will, pride, or established agenda.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **The Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart:** This verse marks the beginning of Pharaoh's self-imposed obstinacy, a pattern that precedes and then intertwines with God's active hardening of his heart, ultimately demonstrating God's sovereignty and judgment ([Exodus 9:12](/exodus/9-12 "God hardens Pharaoh's heart")).
* **Divine Revelation and Human Response:** The narrative underscores that clear divine revelation, even through miraculous signs, does not guarantee a receptive human response. Pharaoh's rejection illustrates the human capacity for profound spiritual blindness and rebellion.
* **Consequences of Stubbornness:** Pharaoh's refusal to heed God's warning serves as a stark biblical example of the destructive consequences of an unyielding spirit, echoing warnings found elsewhere in Scripture about the dangers of spiritual deafness ([Proverbs 29:1](/proverbs/29-1 "Consequences of stubbornness")).
* **Contrast with Repentance:** Pharaoh's defiance stands in stark contrast to instances where individuals or nations humbled themselves before God's warnings, such as the Ninevites' repentance in response to Jonah's preaching ([Jonah 3:10](/jonah/3-10 "Nineveh's repentance")).

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 7:23 serves as a profound 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 or preconceived notions? An open, receptive, and humble heart is indispensable for spiritual growth, leading to obedience and blessing rather than the judgment that follows persistent rebellion.

### 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 lack of understanding, but a 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.

**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. 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.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Pharaoh's defiant rejection of God's power and word in Exodus 7:23 prefigures humanity's broader tendency to reject divine truth, culminating in the rejection of Jesus Christ, God's ultimate revelation. Just as Pharaoh turned away from the signs and wonders, many turned away from Christ, who performed even greater miracles and spoke with unparalleled authority. Yet, unlike Pharaoh who sought to preserve his earthly kingdom through stubbornness, Christ, the true King, humbled Himself, "set His heart" to the Father's will, and endured rejection, even death on the cross, to accomplish salvation. His willing sacrifice stands in stark contrast to Pharaoh's prideful resistance, offering a path to life for all who will set their hearts upon Him.

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.