# 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.