Bible Dictionary
Tartan
Tartan was an Assyrian official title for the commander-in-chief, not necessarily a personal name. Officers bearing this title were sent against Jerusalem and Ashdod.
Definition
Tartan was an Assyrian official title meaning commander-in-chief. It was not necessarily a personal name and designated a high military officer next to the king in rank.
Biblical Usage
A Tartan was sent by Sennacherib with other officers against Jerusalem. Another Tartan was sent by Sargon against Ashdod. The personal names of these officials are not known.
Historical Background
Assyrian inscriptions give the title in forms such as tartanu or turtanu. In a military empire, the office represented the chief commander of the army.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
An Assyrian word, meaning “the commander-in-chief.” (1.) One of Sennacherib’s messengers to Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:17). (2.) One of Sargon’s generals (Isa. 20:1).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
which occurs only in (2 Kings 18:17) and Isai 20:1 Has been generally regarded as a proper name; like Rabsaris and Rabshakeh, it is more probably an official designation, and indicates the Assyrian commander-in-chief.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>tar'-tan (tartan): For a long time the word was interpreted as a proper name, but the Assyrian inscriptions have shown it to be the title of a high official. From the eponym lists it would seem that it was the title of the highest official next to the king, which in a military empire like Assyria would be the "commander-in-chief." The Assyrian form of the name is tartanu or turtanu. In both Old Testament passages the reference is to a military officer. In Isa 20:1 it is used of the officer sent by Sargon, king of Assyria, against Ashdod; according to 2Ki 18:17, Sennacherib sent Tartan and RAB-SARIS (which see) and RABSHAKEH (which see) with a great host against Jerusalem. The names of the-two officials are not known.</p><p>F. C. Eiselen</p>