Study Yevamot folio 118B with parallel Hebrew-English text, traditional commentary, and modern study tools. Free access to Babylonian Talmud online.
Mishnah: In relation to the dispute between R' Tarfon and R' Akiva in the previous Mishnah, in which R' Akiva states that one must avoid a possible transgression, the Mishnah cites two similar cases involving other topics. With regard to one who betrothed one of 5 women, and he does not know which
R' Akiva says: This is not the way to spare someone from transgression, as perhaps the woman he actually betrothed will not receive the money to which she is entitled. There is no remedy unless he gives a bill of divorce and a marriage contract payment to each and every one. And likewise, in the c
Talmud: The Talmud infers: It is taught in the Mishnah that he betrothed one of 5 women, whereas it is not taught that he had sex with one of 5 women, as a different ruling applies in this case. Similarly, with regard to the second case, it is taught that he stole from one of 5 people, and it is no
The Talmud elaborates. As it is taught in a baraita that R' Shimon ben Elazar says: R' Tarfon and R' Akiva did not dispute the case of a man who betrothed one of 5 women and he does not know which of them he betrothed, as everyone agrees in this case that he leaves the money of the marriage contrac
Likewise, R' Tarfon and R' Akiva did not dispute the case of one who purchased an item from one of 5 people and he does not know from which of them he purchased it. Everyone agrees in this case that he leaves the price of the purchase among them and departs. They disagree only with regard to one wh