I have a question on the extra "Kai strafeis pros tous maqhtas eipe" ("and turning to his disciples he said") in Lk 10:22. This is in the official Greek Orthodox text, and also in Stephanus 1550. Apparently it was not in the Beza 1598 text the KJV largely followed, and doesn't appear in most modern texts. Below is the KJV translation, and I have added this phrase in square brackets [].

Luke 10:21-24 "In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. {22} [And turning to his disciples he said,] All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. {23} And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: {24} For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them."

At first glance the text looks a little strange with the extra "Kai strafeis pros tous maqhtas eipe." Can anyone give a good explanation as to why Jesus would turn to his disciples twice in a row?

Hi,

In my opinion, if one had to remove this phrase, he should remove the second instance. At Luke 10.21 Christ speaks to the Father and the turning-phrase connects this speech with His speaking to the disciples. However, I wouldn't omit the second instance either. The second instance is not exactly the same with the first. There are two more words in it, κατ' ἰδίαν (translated in KJ as 'privately'), which do not appear in the first instance of the turning-phrase. This addition shows (at least) that what follows is directed exclusively to the disciples.

Yes, that makes sense. He turned to the disciples but then more privately to the disciples alone where no one else could overhear.