tartan Summary and Overview
Bible Dictionaries at a Glance
tartan in 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).
tartan in Smith's Bible Dictionary
which occurs only in #2Ki 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.
tartan in Schaff's Bible Dictionary
TAR'TAN . 2 Kgs 18:17. It is the name of an office - commander-inchief of an army - not a proper name.
tartan in Fausset's Bible Dictionary
Next to the Assyrian king in apparent rank. The commander-in-chief, who commanded his armies in his absence (Isaiah 20:1). One sent against Ashdod by Sargon, distinct from Sennacherib's tartan (2 Kings 18:17). After the tartan came the rubsaris, "chief eunuch," who had right of near approach to the king's person, and introduced strangers and attended to his comforts; then the rabshakeh, "chief cupbearer," representing his master in embassies.