守

Ideogrammatic compound:

宀 (roof, house) — indicates a dwelling or enclosed space.

寸 (hand, measure of the hand) — symbolizes action, control, or guarding with the hand.

Together they depict “a hand protecting within the house”, conveying the sense of guarding, keeping, or defending.

Semantic range:

- to guard, to defend, to protect;

- to observe (rules, duties, promises);

- to maintain, to keep watch;

- by extension: to remain in place, to stay.

수호 (守護) — protection, guardianship

보수 (保守) — to preserve, conservatism

엄수 (嚴守) — strict observance

수문 (守門) — gatekeeping

수신 (守信) — keeping one’s word

수위 (守衛) — guard, security officer

In Confucian texts, 守 often implies the idea of “holding fast” to one’s duty, virtue, or moral principle.

Example:

守道 (수도) — “to guard/keep the Way (道).”

守義 (수의) — “to uphold righteousness.”

守 is often used in Bible translations to express the command to “keep” God’s word and commandments (守誡命). It carries the sense of faithful obedience and perseverance, echoing Jesus’ teaching: “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28).

Thus, 守 carries not only the concrete sense of guarding physically, but also the abstract sense of steadfastness, remaining firm and unwavering in moral or ethical commitments.