If your brother, a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you, he shall serve you six years, and in the seventh year you shall send him free from you.
English: "Six years" — One who sells himself may be sold for six years or for more than six years. What is the reason? The Merciful One limited the period only with regard to one sold by the court—"and he shall serve you six years"—this one, and not one who sells himself.
On the daf / in context: A person who sells himself into slavery may negotiate a longer term; the six-year limit applies only to a court-imposed sale.
Type of Learning
Derash on the verse (Kiddushin) — the six-year limit applies only to court sales.
What Is Learned
One who sells himself may bind himself for more than six years; the statutory six-year limit applies only when the court sells him.