Bible Dictionary
SPECIALLY
Specially means particularly, chiefly, or above all. In the New Testament it often emphasizes a person or duty receiving special attention, such as providing for one’s own household.
Definition
Specially means particularly, chiefly, mostly, or above all. It normally adds emphasis and may suggest that something receives additional attention within a broader duty or group.
Biblical Usage
Paul uses the term when urging believers to do good to all, especially to those of the household of faith. He also applies it to providing for one’s own household, emphasizing that this duty receives particular attention.
Historical Background
The word is derived from a superlative and is emphatic. The Revised Version does not use it in the Old Testament passage where the Hebrew sense is expressed by terms such as “exceedingly” or “very.”
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>spesh'-al-i (me'odh (Ps 31:11 the King James Version); malista): Used in an emphatic sense; derived from a superlative. While usually employed for emphasis, it carries with it slightly the idea of something additional. Not used in the Old Testament in the Revised Version (British and American), the sense of the Hebrew being,,expressed more clearly by "exceedingly," "very." Its ordinary New Testament usage is, "mostly," "particularly," "chiefly" or, "most of all." Paul in his practical exhortations says: "But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith (1Ti 5:8; compare Ga 6:10; 1Ti 4:10).</p><p>Walter G. Clippinger</p>