Bible Dictionary
ESPY
In older English, to catch sight of, observe, or investigate. Modern translations use more precise terms such as see, watch, spy out, or search out.
Definition
Espy is an older English word meaning to catch sight of, observe, or notice. In older usage it could also suggest exploring or searching out.
Biblical Usage
Modern translations retain “espied” for seeing Joseph’s money in Genesis, but use “spy out” for exploring the land, “watch” in Jeremiah, and “searched out” in Ezekiel.
Historical Background
The varied modern renderings distinguish the ordinary meaning “see” from the specialized meaning “explore secretly,” improving precision of translation.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>es-pi':</p><p>"Espy" in modern English means "to catch sight of," rather than "to explore secretly." the Revised Version (British and American) therefore retains it in Ge 42:27, "He espied his money" (Hebrew ra'ah, "see"), while in Jos 14:7 "espy out the land" (the King James Version) becomes "spy out the land." the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes "watch" for "espy" in Jer 48:19, and "searched out" for "espied" in Eze 20:6, with a gain in accuracy of rendering</p><p>(compare the context).</p>