As to structure, the disciples’ behavior noted in 7:2 now gives occasion for Jesus’ opponents to question why the disciples do not “walk according to the tradition of the elders” (7:1–2, 5). He responds by first arguing ad hominem from Isa 29:13 about the opponents’ “hypocrisy” (7:6–8) and then illustrating the point by using the example of Corban (7:9–13). The specific occasion, “defiled hands” (κοιναῖς χερσίν), has been absorbed by the larger question of “tradition.” The parenthetical comments of 7:2, 3–5 interrupt the narrative flow to inform the reader about Jewish practices and underscore the focus on the “tradition of the elders” (7:3—κρατοῦντες τὴν παράδοσιν τῶνπρεσβυτέρων; 7:4—ἄλλα πολλά ἐστιν ἅ παρέλαβον κρατεῖν).