tar.tan identifies an Assyrian figure sent with a force and associated with the capture of Ashdod.

The two occurrences identify Tartan as an Assyrian figure in commissioned military action: sent with other officials toward Jerusalem and sent against Ashdod, which was captured.

1. Assyrian official on a military commission · dominant

   In 2 Kings 18:17, the masculine singular absolute noun occurs among figures sent by the king of Assyria with a heavy force to Jerusalem; the APB renders the clause "The king of Assyria sent Tartan, Rab-saris, and Rabshakeh." In Isaiah 20:1, the proper noun occurs of the figure sent by Sargon king of Assyria, who fought against Ashdod and captured it; the APB renders "the Tartan came to Ashdod."

   2 Kings 18:17Isaiah 20:1

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB presents the term as "Tartan" in both verses, placing him among Assyrian agents sent on military action. Its wording does not by itself settle the term's precise status.