Philippians 2:14
New International Version
Do everything without grumbling or arguing,

New Living Translation
Do everything without complaining and arguing,

English Standard Version
Do all things without grumbling or disputing,

Berean Standard Bible
Do everything without complaining or arguing,

Berean Literal Bible
Do all things without grumblings and disputings,

King James Bible
Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

New King James Version
Do all things without complaining and disputing,

New American Standard Bible
Do all things without complaining or arguments;

NASB 1995
Do all things without grumbling or disputing;

NASB 1977
Do all things without grumbling or disputing;

Legacy Standard Bible
Do all things without grumbling or disputing,

Amplified Bible
Do everything without murmuring or questioning [the providence of God],

Berean Annotated Bible
Do everything without complaining or arguing,

Christian Standard Bible
Do everything without grumbling and arguing,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Do everything without grumbling and arguing,

American Standard Version
Do all things without murmurings and questionings:

Contemporary English Version
Do everything without grumbling or arguing.

English Revised Version
Do all things without murmurings and disputings;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Do everything without complaining or arguing.

Good News Translation
Do everything without complaining or arguing,

International Standard Version
Do everything without complaining or arguing

NET Bible
Do everything without grumbling or arguing,

New Heart English Bible
Do everything without complaining or arguing,

Webster's Bible Translation
Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

Weymouth New Testament
Be ever on your guard against a grudging and contentious spirit,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Do everything without complaining or arguing,

World English Bible
Do all things without complaining and arguing,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Do all things without murmurings and deliberations,

Berean Literal Bible
Do all things without grumblings and disputings,

Young's Literal Translation
All things do without murmurings and reasonings,

Smith's Literal Translation
Do ye all things without murmurings and discussions:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And do ye all things without murmurings and hesitations;

Catholic Public Domain Version
And do everything without murmuring or hesitation.

New American Bible
Do everything without grumbling or questioning,

New Revised Standard Version
Do all things without murmuring and arguing,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Do all things without disputing, and doubting:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Do everything without complaining and without division,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Do all things without murmurings and disputings,

Godbey New Testament
Do all things without murmurings and disputatious;

Haweis New Testament
Do all things without murmurings or disputes:

Mace New Testament
do every thing without murmuring and disputes:

Weymouth New Testament
Be ever on your guard against a grudging and contentious spirit,

Worrell New Testament
Do all things without murmurings and disputings;

Worsley New Testament
Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

Additional Translations ...



Context
Shining as Stars
13For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose. 14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world…

Cross References
Do everything

1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.
without complaining

1 Peter 4:9
Show hospitality to one another without complaining.

James 5:9
Do not complain about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. Look, the Judge is standing at the door!

1 Corinthians 10:10
And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel.
or arguing,

2 Timothy 2:23
But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.

Titus 3:9
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.

1 Timothy 6:4
he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions,
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Romans 12:17-21
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” …

Galatians 5:14-15
The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” / But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.

1 Timothy 2:8
Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension.

1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction.


Treasury of Scripture

Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

without.

Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Exodus 16:7,8
And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what are we, that ye murmur against us? …

Numbers 14:27
How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.

disputings.

Proverbs 13:10
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 15:17,18
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith…

Mark 9:33,34
And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? …

Jump to Previous
Arguing Arguments Complaining Contentious Disputes Disputing Disputings Grudging Grumbling Guard Murmurings Protests Questioning Questionings Reasonings Spirit
Jump to Next
Arguing Arguments Complaining Contentious Disputes Disputing Disputings Grudging Grumbling Guard Murmurings Protests Questioning Questionings Reasonings Spirit
Philippians 2
1. Paul exhorts them to unity, and to all humbleness of mind, by the example of Christ's humility;
12. to a careful proceeding in the way of salvation, that they be as lights to a wicked world,
16. and comforts to him their apostle, who is now ready to be offered up to God.
19. He hopes to send Timothy to them, and Epaphroditus also.












Do everything

Believers are to carry out every responsibility in a manner worthy of Christ, whether in public service, private duties, or relationships within the church. No part of life lies outside the lordship of Jesus Christ.

1Co 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do…
Col 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all…
Ecc 9:10 Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it…

without complaining

Grumbling reveals dissatisfaction with God’s providence and can spread discouragement among His people. Israel’s complaints in the wilderness displayed unbelief despite God’s faithful provision, and Christians must instead respond to hardship and service with trust, gratitude, and obedience.

1Pe 4:9 Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
Jas 5:9 Do not complain about one another, brothers…
1Co 10:10 And do not complain, as some of them did,…

or arguing,

Contentiousness damages the unity for which Christ prayed and for which Paul urged the Philippians to strive. Humility, concern for others, and confidence in God’s wisdom enable believers to pursue peace rather than advance selfish demands.

2Ti 2:23 But reject foolish and ignorant speculation,…
Tit 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments,…
1Ti 6:4 he is conceited and understands nothing.…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Philippians, writing from prison to encourage the church in Philippi.

2. Philippi
A 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 Church
The recipients of the letter, known for their generosity and partnership in the gospel with Paul.

4. Timothy
Mentioned later in the chapter, he is a close companion of Paul and a co-worker in the ministry.

5. Epaphroditus
A 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 Contentment
As 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 Christ
Arguing disrupts the unity of the church. We are called to maintain peace and harmony, reflecting Christ's love to the world.

Witness to the World
Our attitude and behavior serve as a testimony to others. By avoiding complaints and disputes, we shine as lights in a dark world.

Spiritual Discipline
Cultivating a heart of gratitude and patience requires intentional spiritual discipline, including prayer and meditation on Scripture.

Reflecting Christ's Humility
Following 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?


What Does Philippians 2:14 Mean
Do everything

Philippians 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 complaining

The 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 arguing

The 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 in Philippians 2:5-11, replaces self-defensive wrangling with servant-hearted unity.


summary

Philippians 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...

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
Do
ποιεῖτε (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.

everything
Πάντα (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.

without
χωρὶς (chōris)
Preposition
Strong's 5565: Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from.

complaining
γογγυσμῶν (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.


Additonal Resources
Philippians 2:14 Blue Letter Bible
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NT Letters: Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputes (Philipp. Phil. Php.)

Philippians 2:13
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