As many uncertainties and uncertainties of uncertainties that you can add in a pri-vate domain [the uncertainty is ruled] tamei; [but] in the public domain [the uncertainty is ruled] tahor. How so? [If] one entered an alleyway and there was [an object of] tumah in the courtyard, [and there is] a doubt whether he entered [the courtyard] or did not enter; [or there was an ob-ject of] tumah in a house, [and there is] a doubt whether he entered [the house] or did not enter [it]; and even if he entered, [there is] a doubt whether [the object of tumah] was there or it was not there; and even if it was there [there is] a doubt whether it con-sisted of the [minimum] measure [for tumah] or it did not consist of the [minimum] measure; and even if it did consist [of the minimum measure], [there is] a doubt whether it is [an object of] tumah or it is [an object of] taharah; and even if it is [an item of] tumah, [there is] a doubt whether he touched [it] or he did not [touch it], the uncertainty is [ruled] tamei. R’ Elazar says: An uncertainty [regarding] entry is [ruled] tahor; an uncertainty [regarding] contact with tumah is [ruled] tamei.

[If one] enters an area of open fields dur-ing the rainy season and there is tumah in a certain field, and he said, “I went to that area but I do not know whether I entered that field or not,” R’ Elazar rules [him] tahor, but the Sages rule [him] tamei.