Sorry, I find that assertion to be more than a bit of the sort of perspective and attitude that I experience as haughty, pontifical, eccleastical, intellectual hogwash. I can agree that extensive knowledge of said languages and cultures can ENHANCE one's understanding of Scripture written originally in such languages. But essential is a stretch, to me. Holy Spirit is able to enlighten. AND, A GOOD MODERN TRANSLATION includes such meanings and shades of meanings--particularly a collection of such quality translations.
AMPLIFIED I COR 13:
10But when the complete and perfect (total) comes, the incomplete and imperfect will vanish away (become antiquated, void, and superseded).
That is a different story, Quix. Most people don't read Amplified Bible. But I agree that such amplified text can avoid many pitfalls ordinary readings can lead to.