Increased depth of study is like the forming of relationships.
We are initially attracted to other people for a variety of reasons: appearance, personality, character, common interests, ease of communication and so forth.
Deeper relationships develop naturally when we desire to learn more. We become more comfortable in communicating with another person as the increased knowledge increases our trust and understanding. This lights up the fire to keep learning more.
It’s not that delving into the original languages is a requirement for its own sake, but it should indicate a certain *natural* and compelling desire to search deeper, at whatever level we are able.
To say that it is *not* a requirement is like saying it is not necessary to get to know our friends and spouses. The pursuit [of further knowledge] is not a goal per se, it’s an automatic inclination.
Who wouldn’t be drawn in by mutual deep eye contact? It goes right to the level of souls. It’s a world that asks to be explored, not blocked out. Out come the maps, navigation equipment, and other supplies needed for the journey. No specific destination needs to be in mind, but who’s going to be deciding at the outset, “Oh, I won’t need that map.”? Heck we load up for the trip with as much as we can carry ‘cause ya never know... :)
(Not knocking your post in any way; I am merely trying to draw out a subtle but dramatic difference in perspective.)
Then these Greek scholars must surely love God much more than the uneducated cleaning lady who merely reads her hand-me-down KJV Bible on her lunch break and evenings before bedtime.
Right?
;-)