Definitions

of

Terms Concerning

The Bible

Contextual — A proper interpretation of Scripture requires a study of the verses in relation to those that precede and follow it. This involves not only the immediate context but also the theme and scope of the whole book, comparing Scripture with Scripture.

Personal Opinion:

I'm not too sure what is meant here as to "theme and scope of the whole book."  By book, would that be the whole Bible or just the particular Gospel, letter, etc. in which the particular scripture being interpreted is contained?

In my opinion, all the books, letters, etc. in the Bible are in harmony with each other.  So an interpretation in harmony with any particular book cannot fail to be in harmony with the Bible as a whole.

I do also think that God, in his inspiration of scripture would take in consideration the fact that some of his readers will not have the intellectual capacity of some of the more favored and therefore the meanings of scripture should be the most straightforward and literal. 

Although, the parables of Jesus seem to be purposefully to the contrary.