Rule of construction: interpret statutory words by context to effect legislative purpose, avoiding futile narrow readings. Exposition ex visceribus actus requires reading statutory words in the context of the whole statute so their meaning furthers the legislative scheme rather than in isolation. Interpreters should prefer constructions that give effect to manifest legislative purpose; when a literal or permissive reading (for example, the word 'may') would render a provision ineffectual, a contextual construction that secures an operative result is appropriate.