I had commented before double checking the info in the forward to my NIV. I think, however, it is Not completely word for word, however. Here is a paragraph from Zondervan that might explain where I'm coming from better.
Glad to have you here!!
"Paraphrase help people who are new to the Bible understand it
Literal translations are helpful for people who want to study each word
The NIV is literal where possible and "thought-for-thought" where necessary to help the reader understand
The NIV is the best balance between accuracy and readibility. "
"Translation Philosophy/Format: Balance between word-for-word and thought-for-thought."
(I got this from this site: http://www.zondervanbibles.com/translations.htm)
Also, from the International Bible Society:
THE NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
Reading Level: Grade 7.8
"The New International Version is a completely new rendering of the original languages done by an international group of more than a hundred scholars. These scholars worked many years and in several committees to produce an excellent thought-for-thought translation in contemporary English for private and public use. ...
"The translators of the New International Version sought to make a version that was midway between a literal rendering (as in the New American Standard Bible) and a free paraphrase (as in The Living Bible). Their goal was to convey in English the thought of the original writers. ... The New Testament of the New International Version was published in 1973, and the entire Bible, in 1978. This version has been phenomenally successful. Millions and millions of readers have adopted the New International Version as their 'Bible.' Since 1987 it has outsold the King James Version, the best-seller for centuries—a remarkable indication of its popularity and acceptance in the Christian community. The New International Version, sponsored by the [International] Bible Society, ... has become a standard version used for private reading and pulpit reading in many English-speaking countries" (Comfort, pp. 79-81).
For more detailed information about the NIV Translation, visit the NIV Translation and Information Resource Center - www.NIV.org.
http://www.ibs.org/bibles/translations/
Sorry about that! I too have met many a Baptist who wouldn't read anything other then a KJV. I think the Niv strives to convey the most accurate thought that the writer had in mind at the time. They strive for a literal word for word, but sometimes it just is not possible to do so, the most important thing was to convey the accurate thought. I think that's what I was trying to say.
Welcome and blessings!
Meagan