Commentary for Kiddushin 98:4
על מנת שאני צדיק אפילו רשע גמור מקודשת שמא הרהר תשובה בדעתו על מנת שאני רשע אפילו צדיק גמור מקודשת שמא הרהר דבר עבודת כוכבים בדעתו
On condition that I am mighty,' we do not say, [he must be] like Abner the son of Ner<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Formerly Ishbosheth's chief general against David, but subsequently he went over to David; II Sam. II, 8 seqq; III, 12 seqq.');"><sup>7</sup></span> and Joab son of Zeruiah,<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' David's chief general.');"><sup>8</sup></span> but as long as he is feared by his companions on account of his strength.'
Daf Shevui to Kiddushin
In all of these cases, we take the most minimal possible meaning of the word. We should note that this does not necessarily mean that one who, for instance, is able to answer one matter of wisdom is truly considered wise. Rather, the issue is that with betrothal, we need to err on the side of caution. If we consider her betrothed and she is not, the consequences are minimal. But if we consider her not betrothed and she is, and then she marries someone else, her kids are mamzerim.
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