### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The word **Tartân**, represented by `{{H8661}}`, is of foreign derivation and refers to **Tartan, an Assyrian**. It is a specific name or title appearing only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its use is confined to identifying a high-ranking Assyrian official.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8661}}` identifies a military commander sent by the king of Assyria on specific campaigns. He is first mentioned as being sent by **Sargon** `{{H5623}}`, the **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Assyria** `{{H804}}`, to fight against and capture the city of **Ashdod** `{{H795}}` [[Isaiah 20:1]]. He is also listed as one of the three commanders sent by the Assyrian king with a "great **host** `{{H2426}}`" against Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah [[2 Kings 18:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for Tartan's role and identity:
* `{{H5623}}` **Çargôwn** (Sargon): The Assyrian **king** `{{H4428}}` who specifically **sent** `{{H7971}}` Tartan to conquer Ashdod, directly linking Tartan to the highest level of Assyrian authority [[Isaiah 20:1]].
* `{{H804}}` **ʼAshshûwr** (Assyria): This identifies the nation and empire that Tartan served. He is described as an Assyrian, and his missions were conducted on behalf of the **king** of **Assyria** ([[2 Kings 18:17]], [[Isaiah 20:1]]).
* `{{H7971}}` **shâlach** (to send): This verb is used in both instances to describe Tartan's deployment, emphasizing that he was an agent acting under direct orders from the Assyrian monarchy ([[2 Kings 18:17]], [[Isaiah 20:1]]).
* `{{H7249}}` **Rab-Çârîyç** (Rab-Saris): A "chief chamberlain" or official who accompanied Tartan and Rabshakeh in the delegation sent against Jerusalem, highlighting that Tartan was part of a group of high-ranking Assyrian commanders [[2 Kings 18:17]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H8661}}` is rooted in its historical and military context within the scriptures.
* **Instrument of Assyrian Power:** Tartan's appearances demonstrate the operational command structure of the Assyrian empire. He is always an agent **sent** `{{H7971}}` by the **king** `{{H4428}}`, acting as a direct extension of imperial will.
* **Military Leadership:** He is associated with direct military action, such as leading a "great **host** `{{H2426}}`" [[2 Kings 18:17]] and successfully capturing a fortified city [[Isaiah 20:1]].
* **Historical Marker:** The mention of Tartan alongside King **Sargon** `{{H5623}}` and the campaign against **Ashdod** `{{H795}}` grounds the prophetic message of Isaiah in a specific, verifiable historical event.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8661}}` is the name of a foreign military official whose brief mentions serve a distinct purpose. He is not a central character, but his presence as an Assyrian commander in both 2 Kings and Isaiah illustrates the concrete historical threat that the empire of **Assyria** `{{H804}}` posed to the kingdoms of Judah and its neighbors. Tartan represents the face of Assyrian military might, dispatched by its king to execute its power abroad.
TRV