תַּרְתָּן (tar.tan)
tar.tan
Tartan
N:N-M-TQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-T
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tartan refers to a high-ranking military title in the ancient Assyrian empire, translating to field marshal or general. It appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the historical narratives of II Kings 18:17 and 19:13. In these passages, the term identifies an official sent by the Assyrian king to negotiate with Jerusalem during a siege.
This word is not a personal name but a specific rank, indicating that the individual held significant authority as a commander. The sources note its usage as a distinct Assyrian military designation, highlighting the political and military power of the empire against Judah. By using this precise title, the biblical text underscores the seriousness of the threat facing the city.
Translators typically render tartan as "Tartan" or "field marshal," preserving its status as a proper title rather than a generic descriptor for any soldier. Its rare occurrence in Scripture serves to anchor the narrative in the specific historical context of Assyrian imperial structure, showing how foreign powers operated through established chains of command.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The title Tartan appears in Scripture as a high-ranking Assyrian military commander, specifically a field marshal or general. This word highlights the immense power of the empire that threatened Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. Its presence in the text serves as a reminder of the real, formidable forces arrayed against God’s people.
In II Kings 18:17, Tartan is sent with a great army to Jerusalem, underscoring the severity of the siege. Yet, the biblical narrative does not end with military might. The story shows that even when powerful enemies stand at the city gates, God remains sovereign over history and protects His people according to His will.
This historical detail invites us to trust in God’s protection, regardless of the size or strength of the challenges we face. It reminds us that no army, however organized or powerful, can override divine purpose. We are called to stand firm in faith, knowing that our help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] supreme commander1×
- [the] commander in chief1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַּרְתָּ֥ן1×
- תַרְתָּן֙1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 18:17
The king of Assyria sent Tartan, Rabsaris, and Rabshakeh from Lachish to King Hezekiah with a great army to Jerusalem. They went up and came to Jerusalem. When they had come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is in the highway of the fuller’s field.
This verse identifies Tartan as a key commander sent by the Assyrian king to intimidate Jerusalem, highlighting the direct threat to Hezekiah’s reign.
-
Isaiah 20:1
In the year that Tartan came to Ashdod, when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him, and he fought against Ashdod and took it;
Here, Tartan is mentioned in relation to Sargon’s campaign against Ashdod, showing his role in executing Assyrian military conquests beyond Judah.