捧

Means to hold something up respectfully with both hands.

A phono-semantic compound:

手 (hand) — semantic indicator (action by the hands)

奉 (bèng / fèng, “to offer; to serve”) — phonetic and semantic contributor

The original image is someone lifting an object upward with both hands, typically presenting it to a superior or deity.

This explains why 捧 almost always carries a respectful or deferential nuance, unlike neutral “hold” verbs.

捧杯 (봉배) — to hold a cup respectfully

捧書 (봉서) — to hold a book reverently

捧佛 (봉불) — to revere the Buddha

捧讀 (봉독) — to read aloud respectfully

捧腹 (봉복) — to burst out laughing (lit. “hold one’s belly”)

捧場 (봉장) — to support, endorse, cheer on (often socially)

Semantically related characters:

奉 — to offer; to serve (more abstract and official)

擎 — to lift high (with strength)

托 — to support from below

舉 — to raise; to lift

Contrastive:

持 — to hold (neutral)

提 — to lift casually

抱 — to hold in the arms

捧 differs by emphasizing two-handed reverence and humility.

捧 is the character of reverent elevation. It encodes:

- bodily respect

- ritual hierarchy

- emotional exaltation

- social flattery

Across history, 捧 always implies more than holding — it implies acknowledging something as worthy of honor.

Classical citations:

《史記》 (Records of the Grand Historian)

「群臣捧璽而進。」

“The ministers advanced, holding up the imperial seal with both hands.”

Here, 捧 expresses absolute reverence and ritual submission.

《唐代 詩文》 (Tang Dynasty Poetry and Prose)

「捧書而立，若奉神明。」

“He stood holding the book with both hands, as if serving a divine presence.”

The character conveys reverent posture, not mere physical holding.

In Buddhist texts and commentaries:

「捧經供佛。」

“To hold the sutras with both hands and offer them to the Buddha.”

Here, 捧 signifies devotional respect, close to 奉 but emphasizing bodily posture.