איוב, פרק מ״א, פסוק י״ז

The sheer power and terrifying presence of the Leviathan are so immense that even the strongest forces in nature are thrown into chaos when confronted by it. As this massive creature rises from the depths of the sea, its very elevation and pride strike a deep, paralyzing dread into its surroundings. The mightiest heroes, the strongest beasts, and the most massive sea creatures—beings entirely unaccustomed to fear—are suddenly gripped by profound awe and terror [רש״י, מצודת ציון, רמב״ן, תקות אנוש].

The impact of the Leviathan's presence ripples outward in devastating ways. The primary approach among commentators understands this disruption as a physical overpowering of the ocean itself. As the creature floats and swims, its movements are so forceful that they actually break, confuse, and diminish the crashing waves of the sea [רש״י, מצודת דוד, אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Alternatively, this shattering impact is directed at the mighty heroes and beasts. These powerful beings, who typically enjoy complete immunity from disaster due to their immense strength, suddenly find their defenses broken and their confidence lost [מלבי״ם]. The destruction brought by the Leviathan is so absolute that those who suffer its blow are completely wiped from the world [אלשיך], or they receive a strike so final that they are forever spared from enduring any future harm [תקות אנוש].

A third perspective views this shattering as a deep, internal heartbreak born of absolute panic. The fear that takes hold of these mighty beings is so paralyzing that it triggers an extreme physical reaction, causing them to completely lose control of their bodily functions as they are overwhelmed by anxiety [רלב״ג].