1 Timoty 3
1 Mahatoky izao teny izao: Raha misy olona maniry ny asan’ ny mpitandrina, dia maniry asa tsara izy.
This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task.
2 Koa ny mpitandrina dia tsy maintsy ho tsy manan-tsiny, manam-bady tokana, mahonon-tena, hendry, tia filaminana, mampiantrano vahiny, mahay mampianatra,
An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
3 tsy mpimamo lian’ ady, tsy mpikapoka, fa mandefitra, tsy mpila ady, tsy mpitia vola,
not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.
4 manapaka tsara ny ankohonany, mampanaiky ny zanany amin’ ny fahamaotinana tsara
An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity.
5 (fa raha misy olona tsy mahay mitondra ny ankohonany, hataony ahoana no fitandrina ny fiangonan’ Andriamanitra?),
For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God?
6 tsy izay zazavao amin’ ny fivavahana, fandrao hieboebo foana izy ka ho latsaka amin’ ny fahamelohan’ ny devoly.
He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.
7 Ary tsy maintsy ho tsara laza koa amin’ izay eny ivelany izy, fandrao ho lavo amin’ ny fananan-tsiny sy ny fandriky ny devoly.
Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.
8 Ny diakona koa toy izany ihany, ho maotona, tsy miroa teny, tsy tia divay be, tsy tia harena maloto,
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money.
9 mitandrina tsara ny zava-miafina ny amin’ ny finoana amin’ ny fieritreretana madio.
They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
10 Ary aoka hizahan-toetra ireo aloha, dia vao hanao ny asan’ ny diakona izy, raha tsy manan-tsiny.
Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.
11 Ny vehivavy koa ho toy izany ihany: maotona, tsy mpanendrikendrika, mahonon-tena, mahatoky amin’ ny zavatra rehetra.
In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things.
12 Aoka ny diakona samy hanam-bady tokana sady hanapaka tsara ny zanany sy ny ankohonany.
A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household.
13 Fa izay efa mahavatra tsara ny asan’ ny diakona dia mahazo toerana tsara ho an’ ny tenany sy fahasahiana be amin’ ny finoana izay ao amin’ i Kristy Jesosy.
For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
14 Izany zavatra izany dia soratako aminao, na dia manantena hankatỳ aminao faingana aza aho;
Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these things
15 fa raha tratra ela aho, dia ny hahafantaranao izay fitondran-tena mety hatao ao an-tranon’ Andriamanitra, dia ny fiangonan’ Andriamanitra velona, sady andry sy fiorenan’ ny fahamarinana.
in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
16 Ary iaraha-manaiky mihitsy fa lehibe ny zava-miafina ny amin’ ny toe-panahy araka an’ Andriamanitra, dia Ilay naseho teo amin’ ny nofo, nohamarinina tao amin’ ny Fanahy; hitan’ ny anjely, notorina tany amin’ ny jentilisa, ninoana teny amin’ izao tontolo izao, nakarina tamin’ ny voninahitra.
By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.
