Do everythingThis phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the command. The Apostle Paul is addressing the believers in Philippi, urging them to apply this instruction to all aspects of their lives. The Greek word for "everything" (πάντα) suggests an all-encompassing scope, indicating that no area of life is exempt from this directive. This aligns with the biblical principle of living a life that reflects Christ in all actions, as seen in
Colossians 3:17, where believers are encouraged to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.
without complaining
The term "complaining" refers to a spirit of discontent or grumbling. In the context of the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, complaining was a significant issue (Exodus 16:2-3,Numbers 14:27). Paul draws a parallel here, warning against a similar attitude among Christians. Complaining can undermine unity and disrupt the community, which is contrary to the call for harmony within the body of Christ (Philippians 2:2). The absence of complaining reflects a trust in God's sovereignty and provision.
or arguing
"Arguing" involves disputes or contentions that can lead to division. The Greek word used here (διαλογισμός) can also imply internal reasoning or questioning, which can manifest as outward disputes. Paul is addressing the need for unity and peace within the church, as seen in his earlier exhortation inPhilippians 2:3-4 to consider others above oneself. This instruction is consistent with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized peacemaking and reconciliation (Matthew 5:9,Matthew 5:23-24). The call to avoid arguing is a call to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter to the Philippians, writing from prison to encourage the church in Philippi.
2.
PhilippiA city in Macedonia where the first European church was established by Paul. It was a Roman colony and a significant location for early Christianity.
3.
The Philippian ChurchThe recipients of the letter, known for their generosity and partnership in the gospel with Paul.
4.
TimothyMentioned later in the chapter, he is a close companion of Paul and a co-worker in the ministry.
5.
EpaphroditusA member of the Philippian church who brought gifts to Paul and is mentioned later in the chapter for his service.
Teaching Points
The Call to ContentmentAs believers, we are called to live contentedly, trusting in God's provision and plan. Complaining reflects a lack of trust in God's sovereignty.
Unity in the Body of ChristArguing disrupts the unity of the church. We are called to maintain peace and harmony, reflecting Christ's love to the world.
Witness to the WorldOur attitude and behavior serve as a testimony to others. By avoiding complaints and disputes, we shine as lights in a dark world.
Spiritual DisciplineCultivating a heart of gratitude and patience requires intentional spiritual discipline, including prayer and meditation on Scripture.
Reflecting Christ's HumilityFollowing the example of Christ's humility, as described earlier in
Philippians 2, we should approach life with a servant's heart, free from grumbling.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Philippians 2:14?
2.How can we "do everything without complaining" in our daily lives?
3.Why is avoiding "grumbling" important for our Christian witness?
4.How does Philippians 2:14 connect with 1 Thessalonians 5:18 about gratitude?
5.What practical steps help eliminate "disputing" in our relationships?
6.How does living out Philippians 2:14 reflect Christ's attitude in Philippians 2:5-8?
7.How does Philippians 2:14 challenge our daily attitudes and behaviors?
8.Why is grumbling and arguing discouraged in Philippians 2:14?
9.What historical context influenced Paul's message in Philippians 2:14?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Philippians 2?
11.How can we act without grumbling or disputing?
12.Why complain when you can trust God's plan?
13.Why complain when you can trust God's plan?
14.How can we act without grumbling or disputing?What Does Philippians 2:14 Mean
Do everythingPhilippians 2:14 starts with a sweeping command: “Do everything...”. Nothing is outside its scope—household chores, workplace duties, ministry service, conversations, even moments of rest.
• “Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).
• “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
These parallels show that the “everything” God claims includes the mundane and the monumental. Our obedience is not compartmentalized; it is whole-life worship.
without complainingThe next phrase removes a common toxin: “without complaining...”. Complaining, or grumbling, questions God’s wisdom and goodness.
• Israel’s wilderness murmuring “against Moses and Aaron” (Exodus 16:2-3) illustrates how grumbling breeds distrust and invites discipline.
• “Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged” (James 5:9).
• “Offer hospitality to one another without complaining” (1 Peter 4:9).
A thankful spirit, rooted in confidence that the Father orders our steps, crowds out the negativity that dishonors Him and discourages others.
or arguingThe verse ends: “or arguing”. Arguing here points to contentious disputing that divides the body and distracts from Christ’s mission.
• “Avoid foolish and ignorant debates, knowing they breed quarrels” (2 Timothy 2:23).
• “But avoid foolish controversies... they are unprofitable and worthless” (Titus 3:9).
• “Stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).
A humble mind, modeled by Jesus inPhilippians 2:5-11, replaces self-defensive wrangling with servant-hearted unity.
summaryPhilippians 2:14 calls believers to wholehearted obedience—doing every task in God’s sight—while deliberately shutting the door on grumbling attitudes and divisive disputes. Such daily faithfulness reflects the character of Christ, strengthens fellowship, and shines as a compelling witness to a watching world.
(14)
Without murmurings and disputings.--St. Paul seems purposely to leave this precept in perfect generality, so as to apply to their relations both to God and man. We observe, however, that the word "disputings" is mostly used of objections and cavils in word (see
Matthew 15:19;
Luke 5:22;
Luke 6:8;
Romans 1:21;
Romans 14:1); although in
Luke 9:47;
Luke 24:38, and perhaps
1Timothy 2:8, it is applied to the inner strife of the heart. In either case it seems mainly to indicate intellectual questionings. Similarly, the word "murmuring" is used of outward wranglings of discontent (
Matthew 20:11;
Luke 5:30;
John 6:41;
John 6:43;
John 6:61;
John 7:12;
Acts 6:1;
1Corinthians 10:10;
1Peter 4:9), proceeding not so much from the mind, as from the heart. The object, moreover, contemplated in
Philippians 2:15 is chiefly good example before men. Hence the primary reference would seem to be to their relation towards men, in spite of the close connection with the preceding verse. Nor can we forget that it is on unity among themselves that the main stress of the exhortation of this chapter turns. Of course it is obvious that the disposition rebuked is sure to show itself in both relations; and that, if checked in one, the check will react on the other. . . .
Verse 14. -
Do all things without murmurings and disputings. Obedience must be willing and cheerful. The word rendered "murmurings" (
γογγυσμός)
is that constantly used in the Septuagint of the murmurings of the Israelites during their wanderings.
Διαλογισμοί may mean, as here rendered, "dis-putings," or more probably, in accordance with the New Testament use of the word, questionings, doubtings. Submission to God's will must be inward as well as outward.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Doποιεῖτε(poieite)Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.everythingΠάντα(Panta)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.withoutχωρὶς(chōris)Preposition
Strong's 5565:Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from.complainingγογγυσμῶν(gongysmōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 1112:Murmuring, grumbling. From gogguzo; a grumbling.[or]καὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.arguing,διαλογισμῶν(dialogismōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 1261:From dialogizomai; discussion, i.e. consideration, or debate.
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NT Letters: Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputes (Philipp. Phil. Php.) 
