en_tn/jos/04/07.md

The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of Yahweh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh cut off the waters of the Jordan in front of the ark of his covenant" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive)

The waters of the Jordan were

"The Jordan River was"

were cut off before the ark

The Jordan River was prevented by God from flowing up to the ark that was being carried by the priests.

the waters of the Jordan were cut off

The water flowing down the Jordan River stopped before the ark so everyone including the ark traveled on the dry river bed.