Nedarim

We learnt elsewhere: Vows may be annulled  on the Sabbath, and absolution from vows  may be sought where it is necessary for the Sabbath.  The scholars propounded: May vows be annulled on the Sabbath only if it is needed for the Sabbath, or perhaps, even if it is unnecessary?  Come and hear: For R. Zuti, of the school of R. Papi, learnt: Vows may be annulled [on the Sabbath] only if necessary for the Sabbath. Said R. Ashi: But we did not learn thus; IF SHE VOWED JUST BEFORE NIGHTFALL, HE CAN ANNUL ONLY UNTIL NIGHTFALL. But if you rule [that he can annul] only when it is necessary for the Sabbath, but not otherwise, why say, UNTIL NIGHTFALL; he cannot annul even by day,  since it is unnecessary for the Sabbath?  — It is a controversy of Tannaim: [The period allowed for] the annulment of vows is the whole day. R. Jose son of R. Judah and R. Eliezer son of R. Simeon maintained: Twenty-four hours. Now, on the view that [they can be annulled only] the whole of that day, but not thereafter, [it follows that] he can annul them even if unnecessary for the Sabbath;  but on the view [that he has] twenty-four hours, [he can annul] only if it is necessary for the Sabbath, but not otherwise. 'And absolution from vows may be sought where it is necessary for the Sabbath'. The scholars propounded: Is that only if one had no time [to seek absolution before the Sabbath], or perhaps even if he had time? — Come and hear: For the Rabbis gave a hearing to the son of R. Zutra son of R. Ze'ira [to grant him absolution] even for vows for which there was time before the Sabbath. Now, R. Joseph thought to rule that absolution may be granted  on the Sabbath only by a single ordained scholar, but not by three laymen, because it would look like a lawsuit.  Said Abaye to him: Since we hold that [those who grant it] may stand, be relatives, and [absolve] even at night, it does not look like a lawsuit. R. Abba said in the name of R. Huna in the name of Rab: The halachah is that vows may be annulled on the Sabbath. But this is [explicitly taught in] our Mishnah: IF SHE VOWED ON THE NIGHT OF THE SABBATH [ETC.]?  — But say thus: The halachah is that absolution  may be sought at night. R. Abba said to R. Huna, Did Rab really say thus? Said he, He was silent.  Do you say, 'He was silent', or, 'he was drinking'? asked he.  — R. Ika b. Abin said: Rab gave a hearing to Rabbah [to grant him absolution]