We are aiming to study the J/ψ → ppη ′ decay in an isobar model and the effective Lagrangian approach. After a careful exploration of the contributions of the S11(1535), P11(1710), P13(1900), S11(2090) and P11(2100) resonances, we conclude that either a subthreshold resonance or a broad P -wave state in the near threshold range seems to be indispensable to describe present data of the πN → η ′ N . Furthermore, at least one broad resonance above η ′ N threshold is preferred. With this detailed analysis, we could give the invariant mass spectrum and Dalitz plot of the J/ψ → ppη ′ decay for the purpose of assisting the future detailed partial wave analysis. It is found that the J/ψ → ppη ′ data are useful for disentangling the above or below threshold resonant contribution, though it still further needs the differential cross section data of πN → η ′ N to realize some of the resonant and the non-resonant contribution. Our results are enlightening for the η ′ N production mechanism and the properties of the nucleon resonances with the mass around 2.0 GeV.