Philippians 2:14
Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
Original Language Analysis
ποιεῖτε
Do
G4160
ποιεῖτε
Do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
2 of 6
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
χωρὶς
without
G5565
χωρὶς
without
Strong's:
G5565
Word #:
3 of 6
at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)
Cross References
1 Peter 4:9Use hospitality one to another without grudging.1 Corinthians 10:10Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.Philippians 2:3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.James 5:9Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.Romans 12:18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.Galatians 5:26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.1 Thessalonians 5:15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.Galatians 5:15But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.Psalms 106:25But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.Romans 14:1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
Historical Context
Israel's wilderness generation serves as negative example throughout Scripture (1 Cor 10:10; Heb 3:7-19). Their grumbling provoked God's judgment. Ancient Mediterranean culture was highly contentious—litigation, public disputation, and honor-challenges were common. Paul calls Christians to counterculture: contentment and peace rather than complaint and conflict. In Roman Philippi, this witness was striking.
Questions for Reflection
- What circumstances tempt you most to 'murmurings' (goggysōn)—complaint against God's providence?
- How does grumbling undermine both personal joy and corporate unity?
- What's the difference between legitimate lament (Psalms) and forbidden murmuring (goggysōn)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Do all things without murmurings and disputings (Πάντα ποιεῖτε χωρὶς γογγυσμῶν καὶ διαλογισμῶν, Panta poieite chōris goggysōn kai dialogismōn)—Panta ("all things") makes the command comprehensive. Chōris ("without, apart from") demands complete absence. Goggysōn ("grumblings, murmurings") echoes Israel's wilderness murmuring (Exod 16:7-9; Num 14:27 LXX)—complaining against God's providence. Dialogismōn ("disputings, questionings") can mean internal doubts or external arguments.
The call is countercultural: accept circumstances without complaint or dispute. This doesn't forbid legitimate lament (Psalms) or protest against injustice, but condemns entitled grumbling and divisive disputation. Grumbling reveals discontent with God's sovereignty; disputing fractures community. In context (2:1-4, unity theme), this addresses attitudes threatening Philippian harmony. Complaining is spiritually corrosive, destroying joy (Philippians' theme) and unity (ch. 2's burden).