Take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground: this means crops, of course, and the word fruit (also New Revised Standard Version) should be understood in the general sense of “crops” or “produce,” not just what grew on fruit trees. Other ways to express this are “the first part of each crop that you harvest” (Good News Translation) or “when you begin harvesting each of your crops, the first things you pick…” (Contemporary English Version).

And you shall put it in a basket: the amount offered was a token amount (some), which could be carried in a basket. In cultures where many types of baskets are used, a translator should find a term for basket that foodstuffs such as grain or fruit are generally stored or carried in.

The place which the LORD your God will choose, to make his name to dwell there: the central sanctuary; see 12.11.

Contemporary English Version has a helpful model for verses 1 and 2:

• Moses said to Israel: The LORD is giving you the land, and soon you will conquer it, settle down, and plant crops. And when you begin harvesting each of your crops, the very first things you pick must be put in a basket. Take them to the place where the LORD your God chooses to be worshiped.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .